Here we are in the midst of another Easter Triduum (our Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection), the holiest time of the year for Christians. It provides a profound opportunity for us to contemplate, in the words of Blessed John Paul II, “the boundless love of God, who ‘so loved the world that he gave his only Son’ (Jn. 3:16), but also the incomparable value of every human person.” (Evangelium Vitae, #2)
Did you ever ponder why God chose to “humble Himself to share in our humanity?” Why He sent His Son as the tiniest, meekest, most defenseless creature: a single-cell embryo in Mary’s womb? Why Jesus chose to experience every stage of human life instead of just descending from heaven as an adult ready to start his ministry?
Blessed John Paul explains this in Evangelium Vitae (#29, #30, #38): “Through the words, the actions and the very person of Jesus, man is given the possibility of ‘knowing’ the complete truth concerning the value of human life. From this ‘source’ he receives in particular the capacity to ‘accomplish’ this truth perfectly, that is, to accept and fulfill completely the responsibility of loving and serving, of defending and promoting human life. In Christ, the Gospel of life is definitively proclaimed and fully given.
“In Jesus, the ‘Word of life,’ God’s eternal life is thus proclaimed and given,” John Paul continues. “Thanks to this proclamation and gift, our physical and spiritual life, also in its earthly phase, acquires its full value and meaning, for God’s eternal life is in fact the end to which our living in this world is directed and called.”
“Here the Christian truth about life becomes most sublime,” John Paul explains. “The dignity of this life is linked not only to its beginning, to the fact that it comes from God, but also to its final end, to its destiny of fellowship with God in knowledge and love of him.”
As distressing and overwhelming as the myriad attacks against human life can be, Easter also reminds us that we Christians are a resurrection people. As the familiar Easter hymn says: “The strife is over, the battle won.” Our Lord has defeated death, once and for all.
Our Lord’s victory over death should give us great confidence and joy in our work to build a culture of life. Thanks be to God, we operate from victory not just for victory in battling evil, the “culture of death,” as John Paul II called it. Therefore, our calling as Christians is to be faithful and to persevere in proclaiming the Gospel of Life, regardless of whether we succeed or fail.
Here is how Father Richard John Neuhaus explained this calling: “…So long as we have the gift of life we must protect the gift of life. So long as it is threatened, so long must it be defended. This is the time to brace ourselves for the long term. We are today laying the foundations for the prolife movement of the 21st century. Pray that the foundations are firm, for we have not yet seen the full fury of the storm that is upon us.
But we have not the right to despair. We have not the right and we have not the reason to despair if we understand that our entire struggle is premised not upon a victory to be achieved but a victory that has been achieved.
If we understand that, far from despair we have right and reason to rejoice that we are called to such a time as this, a time of testing, a time of truth. The encroaching culture of death shall not prevail, for we know, as we read in John’s Gospel, ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ The darkness will never overcome that light.”
Have a blessed Easter!
“Pope Francis: First Pope From The Americas”
by Stephanie Watson
Learner Publications, Minneapolis, 2014, 48 pages, Grades 3-5.
At the death of a pope, the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church meet in Rome to elect a new leader. This meeting of the cardinals, called a “conclave” will decide who will be the next pope. For centuries, the popes have come from Italy, but in 1978, Pope John Paul II is elected. Being Polish, his election breaks the line of Italian born popes. He is followed by the German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who takes the name Pope Benedict XVI.
After eight rigorous years, the increasingly frail Pope Benedict XVI resigns. It has been 600 years since a papal resignation. During the next conclave, the world holds its breadth. Who will be the next successor of St. Peter? The answer follows shortly with the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina. He takes the name of Francis. The election is a first in many ways. Pope Francis is the first Jesuit elected pope, the first Latin American pope and the first pope to take the name Francis. On that day, everyone is asking the same question: “Who is Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio?”
Stephanie Watson has written a comprehensive biography of the life of Pope Francis. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 17, 1936, Jorge Mario Bergoglio is raised in a loving, Catholic family. There are five children and his family has recently emigrated from Italy to Argentina. As a youth, Jorge is a serious student but also loves soccer and tango dancing. Though initially desiring to become a scientist, he feels God’s call to the religious life and enters the Jesuit Order in 1958 to begin studying for the priesthood. The Jesuits ordain him in 1969 and he begins his lifework as a priest.
The social conditions in Argentina are terrible in the 1970’s. Falling prey to a military dictatorship, the country is rocked by a government that sponsors unwarranted arrests, torture and kidnappings. Most of these unfortunate victims simply disappear and are likely killed. During this time, Father Bergoglio confronts the government on the massive evil it is afflicting on the people of Argentina. As well, he becomes a tireless advocate for the poor and dispossessed in Argentina. Because of the misery in Argentine society, a new philosophy known as “liberation theology” takes root. This philosophy may have been well intended but cannot be accepted because it uses Marxist ideology which is antithetical to religion. Father Bergoglio refuses to accept this theory and works to promote true Christian justice in Argentina. As the years pass by, his obvious talents lead to his consecration as a bishop and later being named a cardinal.
His great humility and identification with the poor lead Cardinal Bergoglio to live a very simple lifestyle. After Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation in 2013, he journeys to Rome for the conclave. There he will be elected pope. Watson continues to list many other facts about Pope Francis in this well written biography which are too numerous to mention in a short review. I would encourage you to check out this book to learn more about this dedicated pope.
One drawback of this book however is that it fosters the common misperception of Pope Benedict XVI circulating in the news. Since Pope Benedict tended to use ornate liturgical vestments and lived in the papal apartments, he is commonly viewed as being aloof from normal people. For some reason he is seen as out of touch and not humble. On the other hand, Pope Francis is seen as being in touch with the common man because he lives in an apartment complex and usually eats in a cafeteria. The press praises Pope Francis for this. The truth is that both popes are filled with humility and love for the Church and the People of God.
But since they have different personalities, they express this somewhat differently. Having said that, I hope you get a chance to read this biography about Pope Francis. It is an excellent account of his life.
To their credit, 20 Nebraska state senators voted to adopt Legislative Resolution 399. Add to their credit the fact that to do so they stuck around into the early evening on a day that not only was a “get-away day”—the last legislative day of a week—but also the 59th day of the 60-day, 2014 session. When the vote was taken, 25 of their colleagues had been excused.
LR 399 was a resolution introduced by veteran legislator John Wightman from Lexington to have the Legislature on record urging Nebraska’s congressional delegation to become involved with affirmative actions for fixing the nation’s broken immigration system.
Pursuant to the Unicameral’s rules, adoption of a resolution such as LR 399 requires a majority of those present and voting. After a motion to adjourn failed, followed by an hour or so of some rather heated debate, LR 399 was adopted on a 20-3 vote, with one abstention.
Opponents of the resolution, primarily Senators Beau McCoy and Jim Smith from Omaha, argued that the resolution pushed “amnesty” for immigrants who are lawbreakers. Fortunately, Senator Wightman, assisted by strong words from Omaha Senator Steve Lathrop, pointed out that the resolution was not about, and did not call for, “amnesty,” but rather that Congress do something to fix the broken system, preferably with comprehensive legislation.
The 20 legislators who voted for LR 399 were: Greg Adams (York), Brad Ashford, Tanya Cook, Sue Crawford, Burke Harr, Sara Howard, Rick Kolowski, Lathrop, Heath Mello, Jeremy Nordquist (all Omaha), Kathy Campbell, Ken Haar, Amanda McGill (all Lincoln), Mike Gloor (Grand Island), Tom Hansen (North Platte), John Harms (Scottsbluff), Paul Schumacher (Columbus), Kate Sullivan (Cedar Rapids), Norm Wallman (Beatrice) and Wightman.
On another matter in the closing days of the now-adjourned session, to their credit, 22 state senators voted against a motion to invoke cloture and thus helped to stop LB 485 from getting any closer to enactment than eight hours of floor debate. The motion needed 33 votes to be approved; it tallied 26.
This legislation, expanded by an amendment recommended by five members of the Judiciary Committee, proposed to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as two, new, separate categories on the basis of which any judgment or decision deemed to be discriminatory with regard to any of hiring, firing, compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment would be an unlawful employment practice precipitating civil penalties under the Nebraska Fair Employment Practices Act. The Act applies to employers of 15 or more employees. The legislation also proposed to apply the same prohibitions to all contractors and subcontractors of the state and political subdivisions, regardless of the number of employees.
Had this unnecessary, flawed, unbalanced revision of public policy been enacted, individual employees would have had license in the workplace to be as open, aggressive, outspoken, braggadocios and politically and socially active regarding sexual conduct outside the context of marriage between a man and a woman as they would want to be. Employers would have been subject to coercive authority of the state to penalize any judgment or decision about such conduct, including sexual lifestyles contrary to the employer’s deeply held convictions.
Both the Omaha World Herald and the Lincoln Journal Star repeatedly reported that the proposed protection for “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” would not have applied to employment by religious organizations. That was incorrect, inaccurate reporting; it continued even after the misinformation was pointed out to the reporters.
In fact, for purposes of excluding religious organizations (other than educational institutions) from any provisions of the Fair Employment Practices Act, LB 485 would have relied upon current law, section 48-1103(1) of the state statutes. That law, enacted in 1965 to model the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964—decades before “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” were even contemplated—does not exclude religious entities from the FEPA altogether, but only “with respect to the employment of individuals of a particular religion to perform work connected with the carrying on…of the (entity’s) religious activities.”
The law permits religious entities to make judgments or decisions on the basis of religious affiliation (but only as applied to religious activities); the permission does not extend to any of the other protected categories, e.g., race, color, sex, disability, marital status or national origin; nor would it extend to “sexual orientation” or “gender identity” as proposed by LB 485. There is no sound reason to think that under the FEPA as proposed to be amended by LB 485 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission would not have had jurisdiction or authority to take action against a religious organization on a complaint of discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity.
The state senators whose votes against cloture led to the appropriate demise of LB 485 were the following: Dave Bloomfield (Hoskins), Lydia Brasch (Bancroft), Tom Carlson (Holdrege), Mark Christensen (Imperial), Tommy Garrett (Bellevue), Tom Hansen (North Platte), John Harms (Scottsbluff), Charlie Janssen (Fremont), Jerry Johnson (Wahoo), Bill Kintner (Papillion), Tyson Larson (O’Neill), Beau McCoy, John Nelson, Pete Pirsch, Jim Smith (all Omaha), John Murante (Gretna), Jim Scheer (Norfolk), Ken Schilz (Ogallala), Les Seiler (Hastings), Kate Sullivan (Cedar Rapids), Dan Watermeier (Syracuse) and John Wightman (Lexington).
On Friday, April 11, Mr. Jim Miller talked about the message of Divine Mercy at the eighth annual Spirit of Care Conference at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center. He discussed the visions and messages St. Faustina Kowalska received from Jesus Christ in the 1930s. He re-iterated that the mercy of God is available to everyone and the importance that we spread this message to others.
He recalled Blessed Mother Teresa talking about the lack of love in many families. Once, during a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Faustina, she asked Our Lady three times how she should pray to God. Each time the Queen of Heaven and Earth replied, “In all humility.”
This makes sense since only humility leads to genuine love, and only genuine love leads to mercy and concern for our neighbor.
Recently, Kolbe Villa, a 10-year-old boy in the fifth grade from the Cathedral of the Risen Christ School in Lincoln, decided to conduct a food drive in his neighborhood for our St. Francis Food Pantry. He was able to obtain 25 sacks from a local grocery store and went around the neighborhood, knocking on doors. It is a testimony to his neighbors that he received only one “no!” His dad said it was a great way to connect with those in the neighborhood.
I was fortunate and privileged to have been here when he and his father dropped off the food at our pantry. I wish you could have seen the smile on Kolbe’s face when he found out that he collected 243 pounds of food for the poor!
Just a few days later, I was able to see the DVD concerning the Charity and Stewardship Appeal in which Kolbe’s parents Michael and Emily are one of the two host couples. I was edified to listen to Emily’s testimony. I would like to thank Kolbe, his mother Emily and his father Michael for their humility, love and mercy.
For those who view this DVD, you will hear Emily say how she teaches her children to always be mindful of the littlest ones in the family. Knowing this, thinking of the poor, naked, thirsty and hungry is only logical.
Oh, the humble obedience of Jesus on the Cross! Oh the love and mercy He exhibited on that Good Friday! Oh the victory over sin and death won by His resurrection from the dead! As we celebrate Easter, let us beg our Risen Lord to help us imitate his humility, love and mercy so we too can be instruments of Divine Mercy!
Holy Week is upon us. This extraordinary time in the Church’s liturgical calendar provides a particularly meaningful opportunity to reflect on the Christian view of suffering in light of our Lord’s embrace of suffering and death to redeem us from our sins.
As God the Son, Jesus could have chosen any way to redeem us. So the fact that he chose to redeem us through His suffering and death necessarily gives meaning to every human being’s experience with suffering and death.
The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services provides this explanation:
“For the Christian, our encounter with suffering and death can take on a positive and distinctive meaning through the redemptive power of Jesus’ suffering and death. As St. Paul says, we are “always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body (2 Cor 4:10). This truth does not lessen the pain and fear, but gives confidence and grace for bearing suffering rather than being overwhelmed by it.”
Pope John Paul II provides this insight in his encyclical “The Gospel of Life”: “This natural aversion to death and this incipient hope of immortality are illumined and brought to fulfillment by Christian faith, which both promises and offers a share in the victory of the Risen Christ: It is the victory of the One who, by his redemptive death, has set man free from death, “the wages of sin” (Rom 6:23), and has given him the Spirit, the pledge of resurrection and of life (cf. Rom 8:11).
“The certainty of future immortality and hope in the promised resurrection cast new light on the mystery of suffering and death, and fill the believer with an extraordinary capacity to trust fully in the plan of God. The Apostle Paul expressed this newness in terms of belonging completely to the Lord who embraces every human condition:
“’None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s’ (Rom 14:7-8). Dying to the Lord means experiencing one’s death as the supreme act of obedience to the Father (cf. Phil 2:8), being ready to meet death at the “hour” willed and chosen by him (cf. Jn 13:1), which can only mean when one’s earthly pilgrimage is completed.
“Living to the Lord also means recognizing that suffering, while still an evil and a trial in itself, can always become a source of good. It becomes such if it is experienced for love and with love through sharing, by God’s gracious gift and one’s own personal and free choice, in the suffering of Christ Crucified.
“In this way, the person who lives his suffering in the Lord grows more fully conformed to him (cf. Phil 3:10; 1 Pet 2:21) and more closely associated with his redemptive work on behalf of the Church and humanity.[87] This was the experience of Saint Paul, which every person who suffers is called to relive: ‘I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his Body, that is, the Church’ (Col 1:24).”
It is awesome to contemplate the reality that we worship a God who “humbled Himself to share in our humanity” and fully understands the challenges of the human condition, including unimaginable suffering. In a secular culture that views suffering as meaningless and to be avoided at all cost, we should contemplate our Lord’s suffering and be reassured that the graces from our own suffering can be offered for the salvation of souls. As mentioned previously, this truth should give confidence and grace for bearing suffering rather than being overwhelmed by it.
“Dogs and Cats” by Steve Jenkins.
Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 2007, 40 pages, Grades 2-4.
Pets can be extremely comforting in a family. They provide companionship and a welcome relief to the stress and strain of everyday living.
The two most common pets are dogs and cats. The reason for this seems to be the compatibility of dogs and cats with humans. Dogs will wag their tails to welcome home people home after a hard day of work. Cats are quite different than dogs in that they seem to want people on their own terms. That means that when cats want to be petted, they will sit on your lap. However, when they do not want to have anything to do with people, cats will go to another part of the house. Steve Jenkins has written a very enjoyable book about both animals. He entitles the book: “Dogs and Cats.”
Frequently called “Man’s Best Friend,” dogs certainly like to be around people. They have many unique traits that make them desirable. First, they come in many sizes, shapes and colors. Second, dogs are adapted to different types of environments. Third, various dog breeds have different dispositions that make them more suitable for a wide variety of people. Some people want a large, guard dog.
A German Shepherd is clearly a type of dog that is capable of protecting a home. Someone else may want a hunting dog. There are many dog breeds for this activity, such as Brittany Spaniels, English Setters and German Shorthaired Pointers.
But one of the most common reasons people want dogs is for companionship. Almost any breed of dog will fill this bill. Jenkins shows many of the characteristics and traits of dogs when relating to other dogs and to people. The pictures are interesting and cute. I particularly like the picture of the puppies tussling about and the Dalmatian barking.
Then halfway through the book, it ends. It asks readers if they would like to also know about cats. If the answer is yes, you turn the book over and read it from the back.
The other half of the book talks about cats. Here we see various breeds of cats and learn about their physical characteristics. A simple, but thorough explanation of the eyes, whiskers, claws, tail and fur is given. Jenkins tells us that cats tend to have better hearing than dogs, but a less developed sense of smell.
Jenkins goes into detail explaining why cats tend to be loners. Whereas dogs like to hunt in packs, cats usually are solitary hunters. Since housecats are simply smaller descendants of wildcats, they have never developed a societal instinct like canines. Dogs tend to run over long distances like their ancient forebears, wolves, but cats hunt in a very different manner. They tend to creep up on prey and then pounce. This requires both patience and then bursts of speed. As a result, cats have developed very different physically and socially than dogs.
Do you have dogs or cats as family pets? Would you like to learn more about these two fascinating types of animals? If your answer is yes, then “Dogs and Cats” by Steve Jenkins is just the book for you. The pictures and descriptions of dogs and cats is very interesting. The pictures are fun to look at and the information about both species is thorough. The fact that you get to read the book forwards and backwards is just an added, enjoyable aspect. If you want an interesting read, go to the library and check out the fun book, “Dogs and Cats,” by Steve Jenkins. Enjoy!
When someone comes into a large amount of money by winning a lottery or signing a pro sports contract, the news reporters often ask about the first things this person intends to buy with their newfound wealth. A common response is that they will buy something really nice (e.g. house or car) for parents who cannot afford to do so. It is gratifying to know that some people really appreciate what their parents have given them and try to return the favor as best they can.
Catholics become rich when they are baptized. They receive from Mother Church more than can be known or appreciated by all of the folks at the baptismal ceremony combined, priest included! We receive in the Sacrament of Baptism a veritable treasure-trove of grace, along with a foundation upon which to build our sacramental and spiritual lives.
The Church does what any good mother does: she feeds her children. And she does so by sharing the Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scriptures entrusted to the Apostles to be passed on for generations to come.
There is no question that Catholics, in general, undervalue their religious heritage. The number who join other religions or who do not bother to practice their own is telling. Oftentimes adult converts to Catholicism are scandalized at how casually so very many Catholics treat their faith. And rightly so! Our Catholic religion is so rich and so inspiring and so sensible that there should never be cause for us to consider looking elsewhere for spiritual fulfillment. Even an elementary understanding of the apostolic roots and the historical continuity of the Church and its teachings by themselves provide sufficient reason to remain in (or join) the Catholic religion.
Smiles are contagious. The more you share them with others, the more you get them in return. Sharing the Faith has a similar effect. Our faith is strengthened even while we attempt to nurture it in another person. An irony regarding this dynamic is that the religions that have the least substance to share seem to be the ones that show the most zeal in sharing it with others.
Catholics tend to be rather reluctant to share the wealth of their faith, even though they clearly have an abundance to give away! Just as with stewardship, where God pays back a generous giver sevenfold, tenfold or even a hundredfold, so also God blesses most abundantly those who share with others the gift He has given to them. Want to grow in your faith? Then give it away!
Catholics who continue to learn about their faith and the Church’s impressive heritage are unlikely to drift or turn away from the practice of their faith. As we come to appreciate how much wealth the Lord entrusted to the Church that He established two millennia ago, we want to enjoy a bigger and bigger share of it. We are allowed to be greedy in this area because the nature of the faith is such that the more we have the more we want to share. This impetus for basic evangelization is what motivated the saints to work toward personal holiness and to desire for all people to be saved. Should we want any less?
Most of us have done it, multiple times – the purchase of a car.
Unless we are of the stature of Father Harlan Waskowiak (who is significantly taller than yours truly, who is “only” 6’4”), we can choose between most makes and models.
Domestic or foreign, two-door or four-door, car or van, etc. In the end though, isn’t it all the same - quality aside? All vehicles have an engine and transmission, four wheels and tires, head and tail lights, a dashboard with instrumentation, and so on and so forth.
The same can be said about the different spiritualties, Carmelite or Ignatian, Dominican or Franciscan, etc. When one distills them all down to the essentials components we are left with, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mk 12:29-31).
That said, the only way to accomplish this, of course with the grace of God, is to do the following, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself” (Lk 9:23-25).
It all is about becoming more detached from the things of this world and more attached to God. When one accomplishes this, one becomes more selfless rather than selfish. It was Father Pierre Chastelain, S.J. (who worked with the North American Martyrs) who remarked that the greatest hindrance to developing union with God in this world is by refusing to deny yourself.
Recently, an elderly woman expressed her desire to leave Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska some money in her will. She wanted to talk over pancakes. She told me her children were doing well financially and wished to help ‘other children’ who are not so well off. She was aware of our work at Catholic Social Services and St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes.
While dining, she insisted on picking up the tab. When I attempted to reach for the ticket, she said emphatically, “Listen Father: you pray, I pay!” I was amazed.
As we get closer and closer to the Easter Triduum, let us mediate on the mystery of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. He denied Himself completely by giving it all up for us on the cross so we who were dead in sin could live eternally. I pray that you and your families have a blessed Holy Week and Easter. And please remember, when it comes to all of the spiritualties, it all boils down to, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord you God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mk 12:29-31).
And since I brought up domestic and imported cars, we sure could use them for needy families and individuals!
As the final five days of their 2014 regular session were set to unfold, beginning April 7, it appeared likely that Nebraska’s 49 legislators would make a decision about a serious issue of considerable moral and cultural controversy.
Legislative Bill 485, as originally introduced in January 2013, would add “sexual orientation” to the current codified list of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status and national origin as categories on the basis of which any employer decision or judgment deemed to be discriminatory with regard to hiring, discharging, compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment would be an unlawful employment practice under the Nebraska Fair Employment Practices Act. It authorizes the state Equal Opportunity Commission to impose fine and penalties for unlawful employment practices by employers of at least 15 employees.
In addition, this legislation would apply the same prohibition to all contractors and subcontractors of the state and local subdivisions of government, regardless of the number of employees. And, it would add “sexual orientation” to the law that directs state government to take affirmative action to provide equal employment opportunity without regard otherwise to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status or disability.
A vote switch by Senator Al Davis from Hyannis resulted in the bill being advanced to the full Legislature by the Judiciary Committee. The vote was 5-3. Senator Davis, who had voted against advancing the bill on a previous occasion, joined Omaha Senators Brad Ashford, Ernie Chambers and Steve Lathrop and Lincoln Senator Amanda McGill in supporting a motion to advance the bill on a re-vote. Senators Colby Coash from Lincoln, Mark Christensen from Imperial and Les Seiler from Hastings held firm against the motion to advance.
In advancing the bill to the full Legislature for floor debate, the five-member majority of the Judiciary Committee also decided to recommend an amendment that would add “gender identity” as well, as a separate and distinct, protected category. The amendment defines “gender identity” as “the actual or perceived appearance, expression, identity, or behavior of an individual, whether or not that appearance, expression, identity, or behavior is different from the individual’s assigned sex at birth.”
Since the primary introducer of LB 485, Senator Danielle Conrad from Lincoln, had already designated it as her priority bill for the 2014 session, it appeared likely that the fate of LB 485, including the broadening amendment, would be debated and determined by the Legislature during the last five days of the session. Opponents of the proposed change in public policy might seek to take time on numerous amendments and motions.
The Nebraska Catholic Conference, through which the diocesan bishops serving in Nebraska—Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha, Bishop James Conley of Lincoln and Bishop William Dendinger of Grand Island—act cooperatively on matters involving public policy, is opposed to LB 485. The proposed law to prohibit and punish discrimination based on “sexual orientation” (“actual or perceived homosexuality, heterosexuality or bisexuality”) extends well beyond discrimination based on any employer’s mere belief that any applicant or employee is sexually attracted to persons of the same sex. It extends legal protection and state governmental affirmation to public activities intended to endorse, promote and facilitate sexual conduct (i.e., lifestyle activities) outside of marriage between a man and a woman. Employers who, because of their religious and/or moral convictions, do not wish to accept or affirm lifestyles that involve sexual conduct outside of marriage between a man and a woman would be subject to state-imposed penalties for claims of discrimination.
These impacts would be similar and unavoidable regarding the separate and distinct category proposed as “gender identity” by the committee amendment. The practical implications invite litigation.
That LB 485 would not be sound public policy is further underscored by the reality that empirically reliable evidence of either pervasive discrimination or economic disadvantage is lacking, leading to a fair conclusion that this legislation is not driven by need, but by an ideological, political, cultural agenda that seeks to redefine sexual relationships and marriage.
More information about LB 485 is available on the Nebraska Catholic Conference website, www.nebcathcon.org. This includes information on how to contact state legislators to urge them to vote against enactment of the legislation. Responsive action from the grassroots is the key to the outcome of this legislation in the few remaining days of the session.
On another matter, the Legislature was poised to pass both LB 907 and LB 999, as part of an initial effort to address an increasingly serious problem of prison overcrowding. Nebraska’s correctional system, which includes nine facilities, is currently populated at 155 percent of design capacity, including four facilities that are more than 80 percent above capacity. This situation is on the cusp of causing civil-rights lawsuits as well as federal intervention.
LB 907 includes measures that would re-establish vocational and life-skills-training programs in prison setting, expand statewide an intensive probation program for felony drug offenders, expand services for mentally ill inmates and those being released from prison and create a state prison-reform task force to work with the Council of State Governments.
LB 999 will authorize and fund a study to determine the feasibility of using a building at the former Hastings Regional Center as a facility to house inmates with diagnosed mental illnesses.
Last week, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases where for-profit businesses (Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood) are challenging the constitutionality of the Obama Administration’s mandate that forces nearly all employers to include coverage in their health plan for female sterilization, and all forms of contraception, including those that can cause early abortions (i.e. “abortifacients”).
The mandate provides an extremely narrow religious exemption that does not include most non-profit religious employers such as hospitals, schools, and social service agencies or any for-profit businesses. Consequently, to date, 94 lawsuits have been filed against the mandate—47 by non-profit employers and 47 by for-profit employers.
Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood are for-profit businesses owned by Christians who oppose the mandate because it includes abortifacient drugs. Hobby Lobby was granted preliminary relief from the mandate by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. Conestoga Wood was denied preliminary relief by the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. This split ruling by two Appellate Courts is a major reason why the Supreme Court took these cases.
According to those who were in the Courtroom, the predominant conclusion is that the outcome of the ruling hinges on Justice Anthony Kennedy. Observers on both sides of the case seem to think that Kennedy is likely to strike down the mandate. This is based on a conclusion Kennedy drew from the government’s defense of the mandate: if a for-profit business can be forced to pay for contraception, Kennedy suggested, it can also be forced to pay for abortion.
As history has demonstrated, however, just because oral arguments seem to favor one side does not necessarily mean the ruling will favor that side. Furthermore, regardless of how the Court rules, it will likely only address the mandate as it applies to for-profit employers.
The Supreme Court may also, at some point, have to rule on the mandate as it applies to non-profit employers. So far, among the 47 lawsuits that have been filed by non-profit employers, 21 have had rulings on the merits of the case. Among these, 20 have received preliminary relief from the mandate and only 1 has been denied such relief. This is hopeful news given that Courts typically don’t grant initial relief unless they think the lawsuit has a good chance of success.
The reaction to these lawsuits by birth control and abortion activists is nothing short of delusional. President Obama picked this fight by forcing employers to provide and pay for sterilization and birth control (including abortifacients) regardless of their religious or moral objections, thereby trampling over the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of religion.
Birth control and abortion activists, however, want Americans to think that it is employers and Catholic bishops who are trying to impose their religious beliefs on Americans (aka the phony “war on women”). On the day of last week’s Supreme Court hearing, “Catholics for Choice” ran a newspaper ad in the Washington Post that asked, “Who in their right mind would want a woman’s boss in charge of her birth control?”
The ad goes on to accuse the Catholic bishops of “trying to use the courts to impose teachings they have failed to enforce from the pulpit. The bishops would have us redefine religious liberty to allow them to impose their religious views on all Americans, Catholic or not.”
So in the bizarre world of Catholics for Choice, President Obama isn’t the one who is doing the imposing, even though he is using a governmental edict and crippling fines to force compliance with the HHS mandate. Catholics for Choice thinks the imposing is being done by the Catholic bishops, the Little Sisters of the Poor and others who don’t want to provide or pay for services that are contrary to their religious beliefs.
How prophetic was the voice of Pope Paul VI who predicted in his encyclical Humanae Vitae that social embrace of contraception would eventually lead to government imposition of contraception.
“Locomotive,” by Brian Floca.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, New York, 2013, 64 pages, Grades 3-5.
It is hard to imagine a world that is unable to move faster than men walking or horses running. But from time immemorial until the 1830s that is the quickest anything moved. Suddenly, the steam engine is invented and everything begins to change.
The first trains begin to appear at this time and people are staggered by how quickly destinations can be reached. In an immense country like the United States, this speeded-up transportation will change the entire shape of the country. Whereas settlers travelling west of Omaha could sometimes cover 10 miles in a day, train travel at that time could travel several hundred miles in a day. So a trip from Nebraska to California which had taken six months in 1840, might only take one week if a transcontinental could be built. Brian Floca makes the building of the Transcontinental Railroad and a trip across this vast rail line the focus of this book. He entitles it: “Locomotive.”
As former slaves and Irish immigrants drive the iron spikes into the railroad ties in the East, Chinese immigrants and others start building the railroad line in the West. They will eventually meet at Promontory Point, Utah. A first run of the train is planned and a family boards in Omaha. They look with bewilderment as the great iron locomotive chugs into Nebraska. The conductor shouts: “All Aboard!”
With this the fireman scoops coal into the firebox and the engine begins building up steam. When enough pressure is in the boiler, the engineer pushes forward the throttle, which causes the train to accelerate. The fireman keeps shoveling coal into the firebox and the steam pressure rises. When the pressure becomes dangerous, the engineer opens the steam pipe causing the familiar “choo, choo.”
The train passes over the Nebraska countryside along the Platte River valley. In what seems like no time at all, the train arrives in North Platte. They meander down to a humble diner and look at a menu composed of buffalo steak, antelope chops or chicken stew. One family member asks why the chicken seems to taste like prairie dog. He later figures out it did not take long to pluck this “chicken.”
As the journey continues, the train crosses the Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin in Utah. At various times, they have to connect two locomotives to the train to pull it over the mountains. Throughout the trip, the cars in the train are unhitched by the switchmen and later reconnected to different cars. It is dangerous work and the switchmen must be careful not to get their hands caught in the linking pins.
But the train continues to cross newly-built bridges and drive through tunnels blasted out of the Rocky Mountains. The whole trip seems unbelievable to the family. But after a week, the train begins descending into central California. There at the station is the person they have been waiting to meet.
Who is it? What part of the trip do you think would be the most fascinating? Why are the illustrations so incredible in the book? Would you like to have made this first trip on the Transcontinental Railroad? Would you like to know more about trains or the Transcontinental Railroad? To discover the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out “Locomotive” by Brian Floca.
In 2014, this book won the Caldecott Medal for having the pictures that made the most “outstanding contribution to children’s literature.” The pictures are bold and exciting. It is a very enjoyable book to read with several children and is filled with terms from the early days of railroading. “Locomotive” should prove to be a Caldecott winner that will also find a wide audience. I hope you get a chance to read “Locomotive.” It is great fun. Enjoy!
I recently returned from preaching a parish mission at St. Peter’s, the cathedral parish in Rockford, Ill., at the invitation of their rector, Rev. Carl Beekman. We were both seminarians at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. in the 90s.
As St. James famously explained in chapter two of his famous epistle - faith alone is dead and cannot save. In other words, saving faith must be conjoined with charity. This was the focus of this Lenten parish mission.
After explaining this concept, I related a story that happened last winter: a wonderful Catholic woman who is a wife and mother came across an accident. Feeling compelled and inspired, she stopped to see if she could render assistance. She was first on the scene, even before the police.
She came across a young mother with several small children whose car had been ‘rear-ended.’ They were outside, waiting in the cold for the arrival of emergency personnel. Fortunately, no one was injured, but their car was totaled.
“Do you mind if your children wait in my car?” the woman asked the young mother, since it was cold. In a very grateful tone, the mother replied, “Sure!”
While warming up, she asked the children, “Where do you live?” “In a motel” answered one of them.
“Where do your mommy and daddy work?” As it turns, they both work at fast food restaurants, earning minimum wage. The small family ran into misfortune, lost their apartment, and was barely making ends meet. They were spending nearly everything on the motel. They did not want to go to the mission.
Soon thereafter, the woman who stopped at the accident came into our office and told me everything. She could only remember their last name and a few other details. Imitating the detective Dick Tracy, I figured out who the grandmother was. My introduction on the phone with her was met with instant tears.
The very next day we gave the couple a donated car, and a promise of a security deposit, first month’s rent and the items needed to make their future new apartment a home, including clothing, furniture and appliances since they have little more than the clothes on their backs. The father wept as he hugged Curt Krueger and me prior to driving off.
I am sure that cold winter day the woman who stopped had other things to do and was tempted to drive on. Being selfless, she stopped.
I am sure the individuals who donate furniture, appliances, clothes and kitchen items to us are tempted to have garage sales, but being selfless, donate them to Catholic Social Services instead.
I am sure those who donate money to us, according to their means, are tempted to spend the said money on themselves or their loved ones or to save it for a ‘rainy day,’ but because they are selfless, they donate it to CSS allowing us to help in the manner described above. All of these donors exhibit faith that is alive.
I would like to thank our benefactors who help us spiritually, materially and financially making it possible to help families in need like the one mentioned above. Please know that we at Catholic Social Services will keep all of you and your families in our prayers!
“Full Count: Top Ten Lists of Everything in Baseball”
by Bob Der
Sports Illustrated Kids Books, 2012, 96 pages, Grades 4-7
Baseball has a deep identity in American culture. Children love to play the game and families enjoy going to the ballpark. There is nothing quite like really smashing a fastball and watching it fly into the outfield. The physical game is the most obvious part of baseball, but there is another interesting aspect to the sport. That is the mental part of baseball. Relying on strategy, baseball managers must substitute players and pitchers throughout the contest. Fans like to enter into this part of the game as well. To do this well, they need to know players, the strategy and the statistical percentages of certain player moves.
Bob Der of Sports Illustrated has developed a fun-filled book with many of these important facts. The title of this enjoyable text is “Full Count: Top Ten Lists of Everything in Baseball.”
The book begins with leadoff hitters. This is a complicated position for a number of reasons. First, the hitters must be very fast. This allows them to beat out infield hits and to steal bases. Base stealing is one of the most exciting parts of baseball. The runners take their leads and everyone in the stadium watches the explosive start to second base. The catchers try to throw out these speedy runners and the tags at second base are often action-filled.
Of course, pitchers do not want to let any runners on base and will try to strike them out or have them hit into an out. To do this, pitchers either need blazing fastballs or slow moving, cunning breaking balls. Most fans easily realize the benefit of fastballs, but fewer understand how difficult slow curves can be to hit. Either way, these duals between hitters and pitchers set up tension in the game.
Der’s list on the top 10 most feared hitters is particularly interesting. While pitching and player movement is usually associated with strategy, home run hitting is connected with power and excitement. There is nothing quite as jaw-dropping as a soaring home run. The author’s list of top sluggers and intimidating hitters is fascinating. They include Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Jim Thome, Frank Thomas and massive Frank Howard. The writer of this column still relishes watching Howard hit a one-handed home run in Wrigley Field and a scorching grounder that sizzled all the way to the fence in Comiskey Park before the outfielders could hardly move. Luckily, the grounder missed the shortstop. But this book is filled with many more fun filled lists, too numerous to mention in this review.
What is your favorite part of baseball? Do you like to watch the managers argue? Der lists the top 10 managers of all time. How about base stealers? They are all here as well. What is your favorite stadium? Der ranks the top 10 and has pictures of all of them. So if you want to have some fun, go to the library and check out this fun book, “Full Count: Top Ten Lists of Everything in Baseball.”
This is an enjoyable book to read. It would be especially pleasurable to read with children or friends. The author will bring back many great memories of baseball. I hope you get a chance to read this book and share it with those you love. It is a great book. Enjoy!
There are few liturgical feasts that are more directly relevant to the pro-life cause than the Solemnity of the Annunciation, which we just celebrated a few days ago. The Word became Flesh at the Annunciation, when the Virgin Mary is told that she has been chosen to be the Mother of the Savior and gives her consent.
Luke’s Gospel (1:26-38) tells us that “the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you… Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.”
For Christians, the Annunciation should be a rich source of reflection on the sacred dignity of human life from its very beginning at conception. Our Lord didn’t descend from Heaven as a 30-year-old adult and begin His ministry. He “became man” by taking the same form that every human being takes at the beginning of life--as a single cell embryo (see image). 
There obviously was a purpose for everything our Lord did. Therefore, the fact that He began His earthly life as an embryo and experienced every subsequent stage of human development (fetus, infant, child, adolescent and adult) necessarily gives significant meaning and dignity to each of these stages.
Scripture (Luke 1:41-44) also tells us that after the Annunciation, Mary went in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth. “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
“And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.” Hence, it was an unborn child (John the Baptist) who first recognized Christ’s presence on earth.
In his meditations on the Annunciation, Father Frank Pavone, founder of Priests for Life, asks these provocative questions: “Would it long be possible for believers, who meditate on the unborn child who was God, to fail to see that unborn children are made in God’s image?
“Would it be likely that those who ponder that our Almighty Protector was a baby in the womb will fail to see that babies in the womb deserve protection? Would it happen that Christians, who acknowledge that their Lord and Brother was an embryo and fetus, will fail to see that every embryo and fetus is a brother and sister in the Lord?”
“Yet the marvels revealed by the Annunciation do not stop there,” Father Pavone continues. “There is also the mystery of Mary’s freedom, her ‘Fiat’ – ‘Let it be done to me according to your word’ (Lk. 1:38).
“This is freedom of choice which serves the truth, as opposed to ‘pro-choice’ which claims to create its own truth. This is choice at the service of life, rather than the perverted choice to take life. This is the moment when Mary gave her body to the One who would bring life to the world by saying ‘This is My Body,’ forever undoing the sin of those who justify abortion by saying, ‘This is my body!’
My office has a flier entitled “The Word Became Flesh” that contains fetal development pictures and Father Pavone’s reflections. Contact my office at necatholic.org.
Catholics are taught from childhood that, if they go to God for His mercy, He lovingly forgives their offenses, relieves them of their distress and draws them more closely to Himself. This process is normally completed by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Lent is a special time to learn about this gift of God’s mercy, to receive it ourselves, and to share it with others.
In 1980, Blessed Pope John Paul II wrote a beautiful encyclical entitled, “On the Mercy of God.” In this document he taught about God the Father’s mercy, but he also emphasized that Jesus Himself lived the message of mercy and called His followers to do the same. “Jesus makes mercy one of the principal themes of His preaching…Christ proclaims by His actions even more than by His words that call to mercy which is one of the essential elements of the Gospel ethos” (n.3).
The Lenten season helps shed light on another passage from the same work. “The cross of Christ…is also a radical revelation of mercy… The cross is like a touch of eternal love upon the most painful wounds of man’s earthly existence…Love must be revealed above all as mercy and must also be actualized as mercy…Do not the words of the Sermon on the Mount: ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy,’ constitute, in a certain sense, a synthesis of the whole of the Good News?...The paschal Christ is the definitive incarnation of mercy.” (n.8).
When we reflect upon such insights, or even when we pray the Stations of the Cross, we come to appreciate why sinners who trust in God’s mercy are joyful people. They realize that Jesus died to redeem them and reserve a place for them in the Kingdom of God. Spreading the Divine Mercy devotion and message is a valuable means of evangelizing people in our lives who need relief from the pain and distress brought on by their own sins.
In her Diary that chronicles the message of mercy given by our Lord, St. Faustina reported that Jesus wanted the world to be evangelized with the Good News of His Mercy. “Proclaim to the whole world My unfathomable mercy” (1142). “Souls who spread the honor of My mercy I shield through their entire life as a tender mother her infant, and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them, but the Merciful Savior” (1075).
While courage is required to confront sinners, we should not hesitate to do so, considering what is at stake. Jesus encouraged St. Faustina: “Oh, if sinners knew My mercy, they would not perish in such great numbers. Tell sinful souls not to be afraid to approach Me; speak to them of My great mercy” (1396). Too often our efforts to evangelize are hampered by our fear of offending others. Our recent popes have called us to be prophets, proclaiming the truth in all circumstances, even when that means sacrificing human respect or popularity. The message of mercy and the practice of mercy must always accompany such proclamations.
In the coming weeks we have special opportunities to grow in our love and appreciation for the Divine Mercy message. A special live production, Faustina: Messenger of Divine Mercy, will be hosted at Pius X High School in Lincoln at 7:30 pm on Sunday, March 30. A one day seminar entitled “Divine Mercy: A Catholic Spiritual Gift We Receive and Give as Health Care Professionals” will be offered at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln on Friday, April 11. Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, provides an occasion for parishes to host special devotions for the faithful. And finally, Holy Week brings Lent to its climax as we reflect upon and celebrate the ultimate gift of our salvation: Jesus Christ, who is the incarnation of mercy itself.
Recently, a couple (wishing to remain anonymous) who loves our mission at St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes called with an interesting idea: having a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Deer Springs Winery.
The winery is owned by James and Barbara Partington, Jennifer and John Reeder and Kathleen Hennagir (Jennifer and Kathleen are daughters of James and Barbara). The winery is located on 16255 Adams Street, only 12 miles east of downtown Lincoln. Nestled in the original farmstead that has been in the family for three generations, it was a perfect venue for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration and fundraiser for St. Gianna’s.
Immediately after entering the original homestead, the guests were encouraged to write on their name tags their Irish heritage. Some knew details of their relatives and their home counties, others like me wrote, ‘I have an Irish grandmother.’
The evening featured hor d’oeuvres, corned beef and cabbage, and, of course, multiple wines from Deer Creek. Entertainment was provided by the Whoozon1st Band, made up of Don Bennett and his wife Barb Biffle Bennett. They played a myriad of instruments as they sang beautiful Irish music and ballads. The surprise special guest was our own Bishop James Conley. All had a wonderful time as we raised $7,000 for St. Gianna’s.
One of the guests, Tony Messineo of Valentino’s and Premier Catering fame said, “Father, I’m a little nervous. I’m used to preparing Italian fare, not Irish corned beef and cabbage!” None of the 30 guests noticed.
One said it best: “This was some of the best corned beef and cabbage I’ve ever had!” This came from Msgr. Liam Barr, who was born and raised in Ireland, so he should know something about corned beef and cabbage!
I would like to thank the couple who came up with this idea, organized it, and put it all together. Thanks also to our guests who together contributed $7,000 for St. Gianna’s.
Many thanks to James and Barbara Partington, Jennifer and John Reeder, and Kathleen Hennagir for hosting the event at Deer Springs Winery, Tony and Carmen Messineo and Premier Catering for the wonderful food, and Don and Barb Biffle Bennett for the awesome music. We are most grateful for helping us assist the many women and their children who come to us escaping domestic violence and abortion. St. Patrick, pray for us!
Last September, I wrote about statements made by Pope Francis that were being misinterpreted by the secular media as a de-emphasis of some serious moral evils like abortion, contraception and homosexual activity. I quoted the insightful analysis by George Weigel who said:
“The moral law is important, and there should be no doubt that Francis believes and professes all that the Catholic Church believes and professes to be true about the moral life, the life that leads to happiness and beatitude. But he also understands that men and women are far more likely to embrace those moral truths—about the inalienable right to life from conception to natural death; about human sexuality and how it should be lived—when they have first embraced Jesus Christ as Lord.”
On the one-year anniversary of Pope Francis’ papacy, I have read several articles that further illuminate the Pope’s pastoral approach and firm commitment to the Church’s moral teachings. One of those articles, written by Steven Ertelt of LifeNews.com explains how Pope Francis has been an uncompromising yet compassionate pro-life leader during his first year in the papacy. The article cites several powerful pro-life statements and actions by the pope.
Another article, written by Father Roger Landry, a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, is entitled “Ten Central Themes of Pope Francis’ Magisterium (Until Now).” The article can be downloaded from Father Landry’s website, www.CatholicPreaching.com (search for the title).
Father Landry’s article provides the best insight into Pope Francis’ magisterium that I have read to date. Not surprising, the first theme of Pope Francis’ magisterium is his primary focus on the proclamation of the saving love of God. Pope Francis put it this way in his exhortation on the “Joy of the Gospel”: “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.”
Pope Francis has said repeatedly that evangelism must begin with this first proclamation, the proclamation of salvation. “There is nothing more solid, deep and sure than this proclamation. Then you have to do catechesis. Then you can draw even a moral consequence. But the proclamation of the saving love of God comes before moral and religious imperatives,” he said in his September 19, 2013 interview with La Civilta Cattolica.
As I mentioned in my previous column, Pope Francis’ approach resonates with my personal experience during 23 years of doing pro-life work. It also conforms to the powerful teaching of soon-to-be Saint Pope John Paul in his encyclical Evangelium Vitae (“The Gospel of Life”).
John Paul says that the deepest root of the culture of death is the “eclipse of the sense of God and of man, typical of a social and cultural climate dominated by secularism.” He went on to say that “when the sense of God is lost, there is also a tendency to lose the sense of man, of his dignity and his life…”
In other words, if we don’t know God, who made us, it will be very difficult for us to know and fully respect the sacred dignity and meaning of human life made in His image and likeness. This, in turn, results in various violations of the dignity of human life.
Hence, Blessed John Paul said bringing about a new culture of human life “involves above all proclaiming the core of the Gospel. It is the proclamation of a living God who is close to us, who calls us to profound communion with himself and awakens in us the certain hope of eternal life… It is the proclamation that Jesus has a unique relationship with every person, which enables us to see in every human face the face of Christ.”
So Pope Francis is living and teaching this approach by stressing that conversion starts with “proclaiming Jesus Christ… that Jesus Christ is God, became man to save us, lived in the world like any one of us, suffered, died, was buried and rose… [This] provokes astonishment, and brings one to contemplation and to faith… After the encounter with Jesus comes reflection,… where one can deduce the principles of religious and moral behavior” (from 2010 interview with Sergio Rubin).
“The Legend of Bluebonnet: An Old Tale of Texas”
by Tomie DePaola
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York, 1983, 32 pages, Grades K-3.
Legends are created stories to explain the origin of places and things. While they are not actually factual, legends can be informative and comforting. In this sense they speak to a higher truth; that of human experience. Most cultures have legends and this is particularly true of Native American tribes. Storytelling and oral tradition are highly developed in Native American societies and many tribes have a number of legends. Tomie DePaola has taken an old Comanche tale about the origin of the bluebonnet flower and crafted the legend into a lovely story. He entitles the book: “The Legend of the Bluebonnet: An Old Tale of Texas.”
During a period of severe drought, the Comanche people suffer much want. Everyone is trying to explain how the drought happened and what is necessary to stop the phenomenon. The spiritual leader of the tribe, the shaman, goes into the hills to pray about the situation. He asks God to explain why this suffering is occurring. After several days, he returns to the village and states that God is angry with the people because of their selfishness. The only way the drought will end is for the people to make sacrifices to atone for the evils they have done. He tells them that they must each give up an important possession for this sacrifice. All of the gathered articles will then be burnt as an offering to God for the evils committed by the people. The Comanches immediately begin bringing their most important possessions to the shaman for the atoning sacrifice.
One little girl, She-Who-Is-Alone, family has died during the drought. The only item she still has is a doll given to her by her family. At night she clings to the doll because it is the last remaining link to her deceased relatives. But as the days go by, she begins to wonder if she should give the doll to help end the drought. She-Who-Is-Alone decides she must make the ultimate sacrifice of her doll so the tribe can be spared of further suffering. The little girl walks outside of the village and starts a fire. As the flames grow and her heart breaks, she makes her final decision. It is a decision that will change the history of her people and the landscape of Texas.
What does She-Who-Is-Alone do? Why is the decision so difficult that she has to lay down and sleep afterwards? What is she surrounded with the next day as a thanksgiving for her sacrifice? Have you ever given up something that you really treasured? Why did you do it? Why is it usually better to give than to receive? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out “The Legend of the Bluebonnet: An Old Tale of Texas” by Tomie DePaola.
Tomie DePaola is one of the most beloved author/illustrators in the history of children’s literature. His accomplishments are so numerous that it is hard to list them all. His books have a deep sense of peace, joy and love. DePaola draws and paints his characters with a childlike simplicity that is very appealing. His Irish/Italian background is quite obvious in his art as is his deep love for Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin. DePaola’s book, “Mary the Mother of Jesus” (reviewed May, 2007) is an affectionately written and lovingly drawn book about Our Lady. You just can’t go wrong with this wonderful writer/artist of children’s books. I hope you get a chance to read this touching book. Enjoy!
With only 13 legislative days remaining in their 2014 regular session, Nebraska’s 49 legislators are putting in longer hours on the floor of the George W. Norris Chamber at the State Capitol. Sessions that last into the night-time darkness have begun and are likely to be the routine for a majority of the remaining work days.
Some heavy-weight issues are still to be decided before sine die adjournment April 17, including corrections reforms, which stem in part from overcrowded conditions in the state’s prison system; a complex proposal to cover a gap in access to health care using the Medicaid-expansion provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act; water, tax and education policy issues, and final decisions about state spending for the remainder of the current biennium.
Last year, this Legislature adopted a state budget for the two fiscal years running July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 (FY 2014) and July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015 (FY 2015). This year, the focus is on adjustments to that budget and new spending caused by new enactments.
At the first round of consideration by the Legislature as a whole, the budget adjustments recommended by the nine-member Appropriations Committee won overwhelming approval: the committee’s amendment to the mid-biennium budget bill—LB 905—was approved on a 34-0 vote and the bill advanced as amended to the second stage of floor discussion on a 37-2 vote. Additional amendments were considered likely during further deliberations.
The state’s fiscal condition is better now than it was when the Legislature adjourned its 2013 session early last June. Both actual receipts and projected revenues have increased. As a result, the variance from the minimum cash reserve has moved from a surplus of only about $1 million last June to a surplus now estimated to be $91.5 million.
The Appropriations Committee leads the way in deciding how much more to spend and how much to retain in the cash reserve fund.
The committee’s LB-905 adjustments for the biennium result in a net increase of General Fund appropriations of just $27,739. That net result takes into account deficits and recommended new spending, but also lapses of unexpended appropriations from prior years. Nevertheless, according to the committee’s narrative, “[T]he more significant net impact over the two years in $71 million of transfers from the General Fund to other Funds.”
For the remainder of the session, the “green sheet” will be a key budget document. It is an attachment to the daily agenda. Among many numbers, it updates the amount of the unobligated balance. This advises legislators and lobbyists about “A” bills, appropriations, as applicable, for proposed law and policy changes moving towards enactment.
This is also the time of the session when bills en route to passage become vehicles for other legislation not so well placed.
The state constitution prohibits legislative bills from having more than one subject, so amendments have to be germane to the underlying bill. Nonetheless, the “germaneness rule” typically receives a liberal interpretation. If neither the vehicle nor the add-on is controversial, the likelihood of either a procedural challenge or a constitutional challenge is slim.
A simple example of one bill taking on another is LB 359. It pertains to the child-care-subsidy program, proposing to allow a 10 percent disregard of household income at the time of eligibility redeterminations following 12 months of continuous eligibility. At the time of second-round floor action on LB 359, the provisions of LB 732 were added to it via an amendment.
For purposes of the child-care-subsidy program, and the food stamp program as well, LB 732 proposes to disregard certain assets—educational savings accounts, qualified tuition-assistance, or a similar plan established to save for qualified high-education expenses—and certain income—post-secondary scholarships or grants and post-secondary work-study programs—for purposes of eligibility determinations.
LB 359, as amended with LB 732, was pending on Final Reading as this week began.
A more substantive and complex example of one bill taking on another is LB 853. That bill itself proposes clarifications and improvements in a year-old program that assists the transition to adulthood for young people who have been wards of the State Department of Health and Human Services. For one thing it would aptly rename the program from the Young Adult Voluntary Services and Support Act to the Young Adult Bridge to Independence Act.
During the first round of floor action, General File, on a vote of 33-0, lawmakers added a 42-page amendment constituting the provisions of LB 503, the Child Protection and Family Safety Act. It proposes a pilot program, in up to five locations, of “alternative response” by DHHS to reports of child abuse or neglect.
Intake would trigger a comprehensive assessment of child safety, risk of future abuse or neglect, family strengths and needs, and provision of or referral for necessary services. If it is determined that the child is safe, the case would not be entered into the central registry of abuse and neglect cases and participation in services would be voluntary for the family.
LB 853, as amended with LB 503, awaited Select File consideration as the week began.
An interesting twist on this latter example is that while the carrier, LB 853, came through the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee, the add-on, LB 503, started out in the Judiciary Committee.
Having lived and worked in Milwaukee for seven years before entering the seminary, I became used to a good fish fry on a Friday night. It is a Wisconsin tradition. There are good fish fries not only in Milwaukee but all over the state… fish of many kinds, prepared different ways, and good old Wisconsin potato pancakes.
Almost five years ago, we at Catholic Social Services started our own fish fry at our beautiful St. Joseph Center (located on 23rd and O streets at the edge of downtown Lincoln). The menu includes baked cod, fried pollack, fried catfish, breaded shrimp, tuna casserole, baked potatoes, and ‘cheezy potatoes,’ which has supplanted my potato pancakes! Also included is creamy coleslaw and dessert. The tuna casserole, cheezy potatoes, coleslaw, cocktail sauce and tartar sauce are all made from scratch. People are constantly asking for the recipes. But the author of these delicious niceties holds these recipes close to her chest like an Old West poker player dealing stud. Because these items are highly addictive, they are offered for sale in take-home portions.
It is all you can eat for $10, and $35 for a family. All proceeds go to the support of St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes which aid women who are escaping domestic violence and abortion.
Our fish fries are held on every First Friday outside of Lent, which means we are taking a break while many parishes and the Knights of Columbus are having their fish fries and other non-meat Lenten dinners. We encourage you to support them during this Lenten season!
Our fish fry for St. Gianna’s is totally run by our faithful volunteers. It has been a tradition since we began our fish fry to hold an appreciation dinner for our volunteers during our Lenten break. This year we made homemade meat loaf (Mom’s recipe) with mashed potatoes and a vegetable, with hors d’oeuvres and wine. As a finale, homemade cheesecake was served, with an array of toppings.
I would like to thank all of our volunteers for all their hard work, dedication and love for this successful program that benefits the ladies and their children who come to us escaping violent situations. I am happy to report that we have helped save our 18th baby! Thank you! I would also like to thank all of you who have faithfully exercised your taste buds by supporting our fish fry and look forward to seeing you on Friday, May 2 when we begin again.
St. Gianna, pray for us!
By the time this column is read, the Nebraska Legislature will have completed 43 legislative days out of the 60 days in this “short” session of the 103rd Legislature. Each Legislature has a two year cycle with the first year’s session lasting 90 legislative (not calendar) days and the second year’s session lasting 60 legislative days.
Every bill introduced is assigned to a committee and receives a public hearing. Following the hearing, with rare exceptions a bill must receive a majority vote by the committee members to advance to the full Legislature for debate and voting.
Most bills related to abortion are assigned to the Judiciary Committee. The Committee is currently chaired by Sen. Brad Ashford (Omaha) and has seven additional members: Sen. Ernie Chambers (Omaha), Sen. Steve Lathrop (Omaha), Sen. Amanda McGill (Lincoln), Sen. Al Davis (Hyannis), Sen. Les Seiler (Hastings), Sen. Mark Christensen (Imperial) and Sen. Colby Coash (Lincoln).
During last year’s long session, two bills supported by pro-life groups, LB 300 and LB 564, were introduced and received public hearings by the Judiciary Committee. LB 300 updates Nebraska’s informed consent for abortion law by requiring the Department of Health & Human Services website to link to a website that provides 4-D ultrasound images of fetal development and directs abortion facilities to include a link to the DHHS informed consent web page on their websites.
LB 564 would protect the right of health care providers and health care facilities to decline to participate in any health care function that violates their respective consciences. Neither bill was able to get sufficient votes last year to advance to the full Legislature and consequently carried over to this year’s session. Despite continued efforts since last year’s session, the pro-life lobby has not been able to get either bill advanced from the Judiciary Committee.
During this year’s session, three new abortion related bills were introduced. The pro-life lobby supports one bill (LB 1032) and opposes the other two bills (LB 1108 and LB 1109). LB 1032, introduced by Sen. Bill Kintner, would require abortion facilities to post a conspicuous sign notifying women that it is against the law for anyone to force them to have an abortion.
At the Feb. 27 public hearing, the Judiciary Committee heard compelling testimony by three individuals who experienced some level of coercion to obtain abortions. Each of them said that seeing a posted sign about coercion may have made a difference in extricating them from the situation of pressure that drove them to abortion.
In my letter to the Committee expressing support for LB 1032, I said “If there is one aspect in the debate over abortion for which there should be no disagreement by either side, it is that no woman should be coerced or pressured to have an abortion. There is evidence from groups on both sides of the abortion debate that there is more coercion in abortion decisions than most Americans would think.
“One study published in the Medical Science Monitor, found 64 percent of women studied felt pressured by others to abort. Even if the number pressured is half or one-quarter of what this study found, that equates to 150,000 to 300,000 women who seek abortions in the United States feeling some level of pressure to abort their children. This should be equally disturbing whether one identifies as pro-life or pro-choice.”
Unfortunately, even this modest bill is struggling to muster a majority of support by Judiciary Committee members. So far, only Sen. Colby Coash, Sen. Mark Christensen, and Sen. Al Davis have indicated support for the bill. I encourage readers to contact the other members of the Judiciary Committee and urge them to support this bill—especially if you are a constituent of one of the Committee members. Senator contact information (and bill information) is online at www.nebraskalegislature.gov.
The two bills opposed by the pro-life lobby were introduced by Sen Danielle Conrad (Lincoln). LB 1108 would undermine Nebraska’s law requiring parental consent before a minor can obtain an abortion. LB 1109 would replace the parental consent requirement with a less effective parental notification requirement. Neither bill was prioritized which makes it highly unlikely that either bill will advance.
“The Three Little Pigs” by Steven Kellogg, author and illustrator.
William Morrow & Company, New York, 1997, 32 pages, Grades K-3 (and adults wanting to laugh!)
Anthropomorphism is the principle of dressing animals in human clothes and having them carry on conversations. In children’s literature, anthropomorphism has a long history in novels with the characters in Alice in Wonderland serving as prime examples. In today’s film and literature industry, it is continually used as the characters become more delightful or fearful depending on the author’s intention. Fairy tales and fables lend themselves particularly well to anthropomorphism as readers easily connect with the main characters.
Steven Kellogg has written a hilarious account of “The Three Little Pigs” using this concept. It is so cleverly done that you will want to rer-ead the book when you are finished.
Serafina Sow has three little piglets to raise. Short on money, she comes up with a scheme to make ready cash by starting a portable waffle company. She bolts an old waffle iron onto a contraption on wheels and begins her business. Soon she and her three children are pushing the machine throughout nearby villages and everyone is eating her delicious waffles. The children enthusiastically help their mother. In short order, the family is rolling in money and is famous.
Given her new-found wealth, Serafina enrolls her youngsters in Hog Hollow Academy. Having been given this educational advantage, the three little pigs thrive and become outstanding athletes in hog basketball and superior actors in pig plays. With this, Serafina decides to retire to the Gulf of Pasta. After a touching goodbye, the children take over the waffle business.
Setting aside their mortar boards, the three little pigs continue the successful business started by Serafina. So successful is their business, that they each build a house for themselves. Percy builds a straw house on the top of a beautiful bluff. Pete constructs a log cabin on a nearby hill. Their sister, Prudence, designs and erects a lovely brick manor house in the valley. The wafflery continues to be wildly successful.
But this happy situation is rudely overturned when a big, bad wolf appears. They ask him what kind of waffle he wants and get the frightening response that he hates waffles but loves to eat sausage, bacon and ham. The wolf, named Tempesto, attacks the three little pigs. He overturns their waffle machine and chases them to their houses.
As he threatens to blow down Percy’s house, the little pig writes down a plea for help on a paper airplane and throws it out the window. Tempesto violently blows the house down.
Luckily, Percy escapes to Pete’s house. But the scenario looks dire as the wolf now approaches the second house. Prudence watches the scene anxiously from her brick house. Meanwhile, the paper airplane soars over a great distance and lands in Serafina’s salad plate. She realizes that something must be done and quickly acts.
What does Serafina do? Are all the houses blown down? How would you stop the big, bad wolf? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this delightful adaptation of the famous tale.
This is one of the funniest, most entertaining picture books you will ever read. Be sure to pay close attention to all the small side drawings as half the fun is found in them. You will enjoy reading this book with children in your family. They will clap their hands at the antics of three little pigs and the wolf.
So if you ever need a laugh and an enjoyable family experience with a picture book, Steven Kellogg’s “The Three Little Pigs” provides it. Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!
Those who have followed this column over the past several months have been introduced to six different aspects of the evangelization process. Each one represents an essential element of the cycle through which both individuals and parishes progress. Presently we will summarize these stages as a way of putting all of the pieces of this evangelization progression together into a cohesive structure that can help us better to appreciate the dynamics involved.
The full cycle included the following article titles: Invitations, Encounters, Communities of Life and Love, Faith Formation, Intentional Discipleship, Ministry and Outreach, and Pre-Evangelization. I began by reflecting on our need first to invite Jesus into our hearts, our families and our lives before we can share Him with others (i.e. evangelize) and participate in parish programs and activities to help ourselves to grow as disciples.
Encounters with the Lord essentially are our response to His invitation to become more closely united to Him. We described encounters as “deliberate and grace-filled opportunities for God’s children to have their hearts, minds and souls changed for the better by coming into close personal contact with the Lord of Life.” Such intimate contact with God often occurs during a retreat experience, such as a Cursillo, Marriage Encounter or Light of the World parish retreat. Encounter experiences remind us of the deep personal love God has for us and that He has meaningful and fulfilling plans for each of our lives.
Experiencing the love of Jesus enhances our ability to share this love with others in the context of a community of life and love, the most common being the family. Even while we strengthen family bonds we are building up our parish communities. The Holy Trinity provides us with the ideal community of persons who work intimately together in perfect love. Parish families strive to imitate such unity as they work and pray together, especially in small groups.
Faith formation takes place in the form of catechesis in a wide array of offerings at the parish, ranging from Bible studies to RCIA classes, from books and tapes to websites, from Catholic education to youth camps, and the list goes on. The availability of quality Catholic resources has never been greater than it is in our day. Each of us needs to be a life-long learner in order to be an effective evangelizer. As the old saying goes, “You can’t give what you ain’t got!”
Intentional discipleship flows naturally from those who begin to take their faith more seriously. It is what people see in those who advance beyond a minimalistic mentality and really strive to be the very best possible disciple of Jesus every single day. Intentional disciples take their prayer life seriously, practice generosity and charity, and conscientiously follow God’s commands. They participate actively in the mission of the Church, which is to share God’s love and the gift of salvation with all people. In short, they are dynamic Catholics.
Ministry and outreach is the work of those with the love of Jesus in their hearts. While there certainly exists a number of “do-gooders” in our society, the vast majority of work for the poor, the disadvantaged and the downtrodden is done by those who strive daily to imitate the charity of Jesus, which is fundamentally an extension of their own intimate love for Him.
Pre-evangelization brings the process full circle. Just as we invited Jesus more deeply into our lives, now we help set the stage for others to do so as well. We welcome and invite people into our churches by way of friendliness and hospitality. We share the joy we have in Christ by offering them resources that can establish, enlighten and enliven their faith.
As Catholics we are called to complete this “evangelization loop” in our lives, careful not simply to engage in one or another component of it. Likewise, our parishes strive to provide the opportunities and resources needed to employ every phase of the cycle. This process certainly is one in which we, as Catholics, want to stay “in the loop,” especially since so much is at stake.
Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?” (Lk 9:23-25).
I recently read a commentary on this passage by St. John of the Cross, that great Carmelite mystic who lived in sixteenth century Spain. Specifically about this passage he said, “A genuine spirit seeks rather the distasteful in God than the delectable, leans more toward suffering than toward consolation, more toward going without everything for God than toward possession, and toward dryness and affliction than toward sweet consolation. It knows that this is the significance of following Christ and denying self, that the other method is perhaps the seeking of self in God – something entirely contrary to love. Seeking oneself in God is the same as looking for the caresses and consolations of God. Seeking God in oneself entails not only the desire to do without these consolations for God’s sake, but also the inclination to choose for the love of Christ all that is most distasteful whether in God or in the world; and this is what loving God means.”
Perhaps this can be the focus of our Lenten meditations, seeking God in self rather than self in God. How often I have to catch myself when praying in chapel when the focus is on me and my interests verses God and His interests. Oh the value of meditating on the passion of Christ!
Recently someone I know quite well said, “Father, I am going to go through my closets and donate everything I do not need to CSS. You should tell others to do the same.” She continued, “If everyone did that – just think of the donations you will receive!”
Items donated to Catholic Social Services are either given to those who need them, or sold at one of our four thrift stores in the diocese and the proceeds used to fund emergency services or grants for counseling for those who are un-insured or under-insured.
Whether it is a graduate of St. Gianna’s who is able to move in a house, or a homeless person or family that is moving into an apartment or home or a newly resettled refugee family, CSS has been able to give furniture and appliances, household items and other essentials to those in need to make their new house or apartment a home.
Whether it is food, clothing, furniture, appliances, kitchen or housewares items or even a car, a good Lenten exercise is to consider donating any items in your apartment, home or farm not needed. With these donations we will be able to help more individuals and families that come to us in crisis. In doing so, you will be heeding the advice of St. John of the Cross by finding God in self, rather than self in God. St. John of the Cross, pray for us!
On March 6, several pro-life groups in Nebraska hosted an event at the State Capitol called “Together for Life.” The objective of this event, which was inaugurated last year, is to expose state legislators and their staff to pro-life efforts outside of public policy.
This year’s event featured the extraordinary work of our state’s 30-plus pregnancy care centers. These centers, ranging from large, full-time facilities with several employees to small, all-volunteer facilities, helped roughly 15,000 Nebraska women and men in 2013. They operate almost entirely on donations, with a few hundred volunteers and minimal paid staff in the larger centers.
These centers provide a range of services (depending on the size of the center) that include: facilitating housing, instructional programs, materials assistance (diapers, formula, clothing, cribs, furniture, car seats), facilitating adoption, parenting classes, job training, medical care including pregnancy tests, prenatal and obstetrical care (including ultrasounds, STD testing, social services and financial assistance before and after birth, public and private school character-based abstinence education, and post-abortion counseling and support.
In addition to showcasing the great work of Nebraska’s pro life pregnancy care centers among our state legislators, Governor Dave Heineman agreed to issue a proclamation designating March 6, 2014 as Pregnancy Care Center Awareness Day in Nebraska.
Here is the text of the Governor’s proclamation:
WHEREAS, the life-affirming impact of pregnancy care centers on the women, men, children, and communities they serve is considerable and growing;
WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers serve women in Nebraska and across the United States with integrity and compassion;
WHEREAS, more than 30 pregnancy care centers in Nebraska and more than 2500 centers nationally provide comprehensive care to women and men facing unplanned pregnancies, including resources to meet their physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs;
WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers offer women free, confidential, and compassionate services, including pregnancy tests, peer counseling, 24-hour telephone hotlines, childbirth and parenting classes, and referrals to community health care, and other support services;
WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers provide important support and resources for women who choose childbirth over abortion;
WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers ensure that women are receiving prenatal information and services that lead to the birth of healthy infants;
WHEREAS, many pregnancy care centers work to prevent unplanned pregnancies by teaching effective abstinence education in public schools;
WHEREAS, pregnancy care centers operate primarily through reliance on the voluntary donations and time of individuals who are committed to caring for the needs of women and promoting and protecting life;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Dave Heineman, Governor of the State of Nebraska, do hereby observe March 6, 2014 as Pregnancy Care Center Awareness Day in Nebraska and commend the compassionate and exemplary work of the volunteers and paid staff at Nebraska’s Pregnancy Care Centers.
To see a complete list of pregnancy care centers in Nebraska, contact my office or download a reproducible flier (English and Spanish) at www.nebcathcon.org. During this Lent, please make a commitment to help support the center nearest you with your time, talent or treasure.
There are many important parts to the body of the pro-life movement, but in my view, pregnancy care centers are the heart. Their work is essential to achieving the movement’s ultimate goal: to make abortion unthinkable.
“Dr. Charles Drew: Medical Pioneer” by Susan Whitehurst.
The Children’s World, Minnesota, 2002, 40 pages, Grades 3-5.
Racial discrimination has been a plague afflicting the United States for hundreds of years. At its most basic form, racial discrimination is the negative, damning idea that people are inferior because of their color.
When people suffer because of racial discrimination, they commonly respond in two ways. First, they can lash out violently at those causing the problem. The trouble with this approach is that violence doesn’t necessarily cure violence. Sometimes, it cause more anger.
The second method is to endure and overcome the bigotry. It takes great courage to use this approach. However, this approach can be quite successful in the long term. An example of this is the life of Jackie Robinson, the first black major league baseball player.
This second approach is chosen by Dr. Charles Drew, the brilliant subject of this biography. Susan Whitehurst writes a compelling biography of this great doctor and scientist. It is entitled, “Dr. Charles Drew: Medical Pioneer.”
Young Charles is born in Washington D.C. on June 3, 1904. His family heritage includes a mixture of Irish, Native American, English and African. The Drews are a stable family and highly value education. From his earliest years, Charlie shows great promise academically and athletically.
Though he has red hair and freckles, Charlie is deemed by society to be African-American. He attends one of the finest black high schools in the United States and attends Amherst College in Massachusetts on a scholarship. One day he suffers a severe leg injury in a football game and is hospitalized. After observing the doctors making rounds, he decides to become a physician.
Since few medical schools will accept black students, he applies and is accepted at McGill University in Montreal. There he becomes an outstanding student and graduates with a Doctor of Medicine and a Master of Surgery. Upon returning to the United States, Dr. Drew is hired by Howard University as a medical professor. Howard is the preeminent medical school for African Americans in the United States.
It is here that Dr. Drew begins to develop an interest in the storage of blood. Even with refrigeration, whole blood begins to break down after 24 hours. With the increased need for blood transfusions, hospitals are desperate to lengthen the time that blood can be used. Dr. Drew begins thinking deeply about the four elements of blood: the red blood cells, the white blood cells, the platelets and the plasma. The red blood cells are the problem, as they break down the fastest. He begins looking at other parts of blood. What might be possible if blood transfusions could be made using the clear, liquid part of blood, the plasma? Plasma doesn’t deteriorate quickly.
Dr. Drew begins experimenting with plasma and makes an astonishing discovery that will change the face of medicine. It doesn’t come too soon, either. World War II has erupted and thousands of people need Drew’s discovery. What is it?
How does this brilliant man change medical practices throughout the world? How does he overcome the racial prejudice he has encountered in his life? Why is he truly a hero in the medical world? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this fine biography, “Dr. Charles Drew: Medical Pioneer.”
This is an excellent biography for middle school students. It also lays to rest the falsehood that white doctors stood by as Dr. Drew bled to death after his fatal car crash. The truth is that the white physicians left their less critically ill white patients and diligently tried to save his life. Unfortunately, Drew’s injuries were too serious.
This is a commendable book, and students will learn a great deal about a noble American. Please encourage them to read the book.
The idea of charter schools is receiving some attention during the current session of the Nebraska Legislature. It has been a topic during floor debate on bills dealing separately with state aid for public-school districts and public-school performance and accountability. The idea also is the main subject of LB 972, Omaha Senator Scott Lautenbaugh’s priority bill. It had a lengthy and provocative public hearing in front of the Legislature’s Education Committee.
While it appears doubtful that LB 972 will make it through the process during the 20 days that remain in the session—the proposal has opposition and considerable skepticism—the fact that it is a point of attention and discussion in the expressed desire for elementary-and-secondary education reform is significant.
LB 972 would create a pilot program. It would authorize the State Board of Education to issue charters for up to five “independent public schools” in Omaha.
These schools would operate independently of the public-school district in which they are located. Each would be managed by a board of trustees, rather than any school-district board of education. Rules and regulations would apply, but would be considerably less in scope. Each would have a performance review after five years.
Persons or entities eligible to establish an “independent-public school” would include parents, community residents, non-profit organizations, public organizations, teachers and school administrators. The only entities explicitly excluded from applying for charters would be, guess what, “denominational and parochial schools” and unregulated, parentally managed schools.
Financing is a key element of chartering such-schools. Section 18 of LB 972 presents the policy: “The school district of residence of each student attending an independent public school shall annually pay to the independent public school an amount equal to the school district’s actual per pupil cost for the preceding fiscal year times the number of students residing in such district who attend such independent public school.” In other words, the funding follows the student. It’s the voucher concept.
Interesting, wouldn’t it be, if the qualifier word “public” was removed from “independent public school” each time it appears? That would make it more broadly the voucher concept; even more justly a parental-choice-in-education policy.
When this thought was pointed out to the Education Committee, one member, Senator Ken Haar from Malcolm, said the reference to vouchers was scary. Why so? Why would even better facilitation of parental choice in education be scary?
If vouchers are too complex or radical, there are other policy options that warrant open-minded, thoughtful deliberation, such as scholarship-support tax credits, educational-expense tax credits and policy-supported education savings accounts. The debate over charter schools should trigger broader discussion of parental-choice ideas.
On another, much less significant level involving schools, there is LB 1081. Its sponsor, Senator Russ Karpisek from Wilber, is worried about competitive balance in high-school sports. He wants more parity. So, for the second year in a row he has sought to spark discussion by introducing silly legislation that would intrude upon the independent, member-based governance of high-school extracurricular activities by the Nebraska School Activities Association.
Senator Karpisek’s crackerjack research staff apparently is responsible for uncovering and formulating this nugget of breath-taking information: from school year 1997-98 through school year 2003-04, about 26 percent of NSAA’s state sports championships were won by non-government, religiously affiliated high schools. But such schools only constituted about 12 percent of the total number of high schools in the state.
“There’s some smoke there” Senator Karpisek was quoted as saying at the public hearing on his LB 1081; “What’s going on?” Senator Bill Avery from Lincoln, a member of the Education Committee, expressed similar suspicion. From their points of view, success has to be about illegitimate recruiting, even though they don’t, or can’t, identify any specific situation. For them, even if Catholic kids go to Catholic schools and Lutheran kids go to Lutheran schools, or parents make school choices for whatever reasons, such motivations are presumed secondary; kids who are athletically competitive are being recruited.
Fortunately, the public hearing on LB 1081 also brought some balance to the discussion. It wasn’t a total waste of time; the premise and specifics of the legislative bill notwithstanding.
There was an acknowledgment that to whatever extent recruiting occurs, by no means is it a parochial-school phenomenon; public schools do it too. And, the executive director of the school activities association spoke of efforts the organization will be making to address issues of “undue influence,” the extent of penalties and the impact of summer camps and club teams.
And finally…. Here’s some wording that can be found in several bills dealing with early childhood education—a rapidly expanding emphasis: “…the goal [exists] of assuring that every family in Nebraska has access to such programs for, at the minimum, the school year prior to the school year for which the child will be eligible to attend kindergarten.”
That’s not mandatory early childhood education; yet. It also exudes a sense of a lower compulsory-education age.
“My brothers and sisters, show no partiality … For if a man with gold rings and fine clothes comes into your assembly … and a poor person with shabby clothes also comes in, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes … have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs? … However, if you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors”
(Jas 2:1-9).
Recently after closing, I spied a man walking across the parking lot with two duffle bags, toward our front door. Our lights were off, and I remember thinking, ‘surely he knows we are closed.’
I opened the door and greeted him. He was a homeless man looking for help finding a place to stay. It was a fairly chilling February evening. He immediately began explaining his plight.
He showed me a few $20 bills and said he only needed $15 for a week’s stay at a nearby long-term motel. “Where did you get the money?” I asked. “From my mother, who lives in another state,” he replied.
He further explained he could not stay with her because she is in a retirement facility. I invited him in and after packing three sacks of groceries, we were off to the motel. During the ride I discovered he had been released earlier in the day from the hospital because of ‘mental issues.’
“I just couldn’t stand it any longer at the homeless shelter!” He related. I remember wondering how long I would last at a homeless shelter. His plan will be finding a job. He went into detail how he would begin his search. He will have difficulty because of a prior felony conviction.
Within minutes, we were at the motel’s front desk. Instead of CSS contributing $15 along with all the cash he had to pay for one week, I gave the manager my CSS credit card and instructed him to give this man two weeks. Moved with tears, he gave me a bear hug and exclaimed this was an answer to his prayers, for he had been praying all day. In his room, he had a kitchen to prepare the food we had given him.
At Catholic Social Services, we must remember to take St. James’ words to heart. No matter what a client looks like, we must remember they all are created in God’s image and likeness and whatever we do for the least, we do to Jesus (Mt 25:31-46).
Please pray for this man that he is successful in finding employment so he will not have to live on the street. May the intercession of St. Joseph the Worker obtain for this man a job he so desperately wants and needs. May we all with the grace of God see Jesus Christ in each and every person we meet, regardless of their appearance.
“However, if you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”
(Jas 2:1-9)
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
(2 Chronicles 7:14)
Human beings, and especially males, tend to respond to a challenge or injustice by rolling up our sleeves and doing something. Unfortunately, our first response tends not to be prayer and fasting.
I must admit that in my early years as the Bishops’ pro-life director, I tended to subordinate prayer and fasting (at least interiorly) to more “concrete” activities such as education, public policy advocacy, and pastoral care efforts. It took me several years of pro-life work to discover the wisdom of God’s word in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Sooner or later, any reasonably astute soldier in the battle against the culture of death learns that this battle is spiritual at its core. Therefore, any effort not rooted in prayer will be in vain.
This year’s Lenten season begins next Wednesday. By now, many Catholics may have at least given some thought to what type of sacrifice they will embrace during this penitential season. However, most probably haven’t thought about offering their prayer and fasting for a particular intention(s).
I humbly ask Catholics to include the pro-life cause as a recipient of your prayers and fasting. Some particular prayer intentions could include seeking God’s help for women who are at risk of having an abortion; for innocent children who are at risk of perishing; for men and women who carry the pain of a past abortion experience; for workers at Planned Parenthood facilities and abortion centers; for local, regional, and national leaders; for revival and renewal in our churches; and for repentance and healing throughout our nation.
These prayer intentions are suggested to participants of the 40 Days for Life campaign. According to its organizers, the mission of 40 Days for Life is “to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40 day campaign of prayer, fasting, and peaceful activism, with the purpose of repentance, to seek God’s favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life, thus bringing an end to abortion.”
As it’s mission states, part of the 40 Days for Life campaign involves “peaceful activism” that involves an around the clock presence of participants spending one hour praying outside an abortion mill. Organizers in Lincoln and Omaha are asking for help in filling these hours outside the three abortion mills (one in Lincoln, one in Omaha and one in Bellevue).
Interested participants can sign up for an hour online at www.40daysforlife.com (scroll down to Nebraska) or by calling 402-399-0299 for Omaha and Bellevue locations and 402-327-9015 for the Lincoln location.
The 40 Days for Life organizers point out that if you cannot pray outside one of the abortion mills then “pray at church, pray at work, pray in the car or pray at home… People of faith are also invited to fast throughout 40 Days for Life. Christ said there are demons that can only be driven out by prayer and fasting.
“A fast is not a Christian diet; it is a powerful means of drawing closer to God by blocking out distractions. Fast from certain foods. Fast from television. Fast from apathy and indifference. Fast from whatever it is that separates you from God.”
“We believe that when God’s people fast with a broken, repentant and contrite spirit, our heavenly Father will hear from heaven and heal our lives, our churches, our communities, our nation, and our world.” To that I say Amen!
“The Case of the Vanishing Honeybees: A Scientific Mystery”
by Sandra Markle.
Millbrook Press, 2014, 48 pages, Grades 3-5.
Honeybees are among the most fascinating species of insects on earth. They constantly fly from flower to flower in the warm months of spring and summer, and then return to their hives filled with nectar and pollen. Upon depositing these choice products in the hive, the bees then tirelessly go out again. For centuries, writers and farmers have marveled at their endurance and industry. The honey and beeswax generated by bees is both delicious and fragrant.
But about seven years ago, a dreadful event began to happen. The honeybees start vanishing. Beekeepers throughout the world find hives full of honey but empty of bees. The crisis is so profound that it receives the name Colony Collapse Disorder or CCD. Sandra Markle writes about this honeybee plague and the vigilant battle to overcome the disease. Her interesting book is entitled, “The Case of the Vanishing Honeybees: A Scientific Mystery.”
By late 2006, professional beekeepers begin discovering that thousands of hives have no bees. Besides being financially disastrous, the beekeepers can’t make any sense of the situation. In many instances the hives are full of honey, so the disappearance cannot be due to starvation. Also, some of the terrible diseases afflicting bees, such as American Foul Brood, are not present. The bees just seem to have disappeared.
Immediately, bee keepers and bee scientists start looking at any number of scenarios to explain this tragedy. Since a queen bee can lay more than 1,000 eggs a day, there should never be a shortage of bees. So what is happening?
First, scientists begin looking at the evolution of agriculture. Since only one or two crops are planted in many areas, researchers wonder if the bees starve after the crops blossomed. Nectar can only be found in blooming crops.
A second possibility is that the bees are simply worn out and die because they are being transported hundreds of miles from one crop to the next.
A third possible explanation is that beekeepers are feeding the bees too much sugar syrup. Since bees make and eat honey, sugar syrup simply does not nourish bees as well. This lack of nutrition can cause a much shorter life span.
Also, new invading varroa mites are found to devastate bee populations. Even cell phones are thought to be part of the problem. However, this is later discounted as a cause.
The final culprit is thought to be the development of new pesticides. Everyone hopes to find a single cause that can be easily addressed. What scientists learn is that CCD is a multifaceted problem. There will be no easy answer.
What do researchers discover that greatly reduces CCD? How does a better understanding of how the biological environment operates partially solve the problem? Have people inadvertently caused CCD? Why is it necessary to make changes in professional beekeeping practices? And finally, what can we do to keep honeybees from vanishing? To find out, go to the library and check out this outstanding book, “The Case of the Vanishing Honeybees” by Sandra Markle.
This is an excellent book for use in science classes in the middle grades. The text is well written and the photographs are outstanding. Markle presents the problems involved with CCD and shows what bee keepers and scientists are doing to solve the disease. I hope you encourage the young people in your family to read this fine book. I learned a great deal from this book, and think you will as well. Without those industrious bees, the delicious strawberries we love cannot develop. Sandra Markle’s book can help us better understand the problems involved with the vanishing honeybees.
The news sometimes features the collapse of a building due to an undetected sinkhole beneath its foundation. Whether the cause was soil erosion over time or not having done quality dirt work and packing in the first place, the result is the same: ruination of the structure. The Church must protect itself from just such a demise.
The preparatory work we do in order to make evangelization possible, especially in its more formal expressions, is simply called pre-evangelization. Pope Francis has demonstrated an expertise in this area during the first year of his Pontificate. He has made a concerted effort to make the Catholic Church a more appealing institution to be associated with, equally for Catholics and those of other faith traditions. And he tirelessly has encouraged all of us, clergy and laity alike, to do the same.
The basis for pre-evangelization is making the Church—including its parishes, schools, hospitals and other sponsored institutions—places of warmth and welcome. This task sounds so simple, but, sadly, it is accomplished only with difficulty. One of our problems is that our physical inclinations too often direct our spiritual activity. All of us can relate to this tendency with regard to the cold of winter. Once we are inside enjoying the warmth and comfort of our own home, we don’t tend to go outside looking for others with whom to share this blessing. All too often, we also get overly comfortable in our spiritual home, the Church. Accordingly, we fail to reach out and invite others in. So sad!
Many parishes have a Welcome Ministry that is employed before Masses and other parish functions. This practice is easy to support and is very effective, especially in our larger parishes that have many visitors on a regular basis. A simple smile and a friendly “hello” go a long way in setting the stage for inviting people to share in the manifold graces and blessings that we have enjoyed and that our Church wants to share.
Some parishes have sponsored special events designed specifically to reach out to all members of the community, especially those who are not active members of the Church. A speaker or a quality video presentation might be used to attract people to the event. Oftentimes a free CD or book is given to those who attend, or a little gift might be included with the written invitations. Such special events can be repeated multiple times during the year, depending upon the size of the parish, and they certainly provide to all involved in the project a great opportunity to be involved in pre-evangelization work.
Our declining church attendance and the readiness of many Catholics to side with cultural trends rather than with the teachings of Jesus and His Church are having a corrosive effect that is creating perilous spiritual sinkholes. We sometimes need to get our hands “dirty” by challenging folks to practice their faith or to think about the eternal ramifications of their lifestyle. But that’s what it means to be a baptized Christian. We need to be professional welcomers and inviters in order to lay the groundwork for the essential work of evangelization. If that means getting our hands a bit dirty from time to time, so be it.
Several years ago, after Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach Center moved to their present location on North 27th St., homeless people and families started showing up at our doors at our St. Joseph Center (located at 23rd and O streets) for something to eat. For those living in the area without a car and for those in the streets, it is too far a walk to the several places in town that serve meals. Since a typical food pantry like ours supplies groceries, not meals, we decided to start handing out ready-to-eat food rather than bus passes.
At first we started handing out salads and sandwiches from several local grocery stores in town, but it soon became apparent that this was not enough. We decided to start a sack lunch program patterned after our Hastings Sack Lunch Program which is a collaborative effort between Catholic Social Services and multiple other entities and denominations in the Hastings area.
Ten years ago, we noticed a need in Hastings, and the rest is history. Last year, our sack lunch program in Hastings served almost 45,000 sack lunches – not bad for a town with a population of a little over 25,000. One has to remember though; this program is 10 years old.
At our St. John Vianney Center in Hastings, during normal business hours, anyone can receive a nutritious lunch, no questions asked. Since the word has spread, even those who live within driving distances pull up for a sack lunch. By the appearances of some of the cars, I know the people are truly in need.
In January, our Lincoln Sack Lunch Program celebrated its first anniversary. Last year, from our downtown Lincoln location, we served 5,000 lunches.
As in the beginning of our Hastings program, it took a while for the news to get out. Each month, there has been a steady increase in the number of meals served. Now anyone can receive a sack lunch, no questions asked, Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
I would like to thank our 46 volunteers from multiple parishes in Lincoln for all they are doing to feed Jesus who lives in the hungry (Mt 25:31-46)! If anyone is interested in jumping aboard, please send me an email!
“The power of language to color one’s view of reality is profound. In many instances, the most significant factor determining how an object will be perceived is not the nature of the object itself, but the words employed to characterize it…Words can also act as a force for justice or a weapon of repression, an instrument of enlightenment or a source of darkness.”
These words come from the introduction to the book, “Dehumanizing the Vulnerable: When Word Games Take Lives,” by Dr. William Brennan. Dr. Brennan is a professor of social work in the Saint Louis University School of Social Work. According to his bio, Dr. Brennan “has written and spoken extensively on how euphemisms and dehumanizing language facilitate massive oppression.”
In this book, Dr. Brennan focuses on seven “victimized groups” that he selected for analysis because they are among the most extensively oppressed on record: the unborn, the dependent and/or disabled, women, Jews and others exterminated in the Nazi Holocaust, the targets of Soviet tyranny, African Americans, and Native Americans.
In his research on these victimized groups, Dr. Brennan found that despite the varying times in history, each group was subject to “a universal set of dehumanizing designations” that fell into eight categories: deficient human, non-human, animal, parasite, disease, inanimate object, waste product, and non-person.
Dr. Brennan includes in his book a quick reference chart providing a sample of each type of dehumanizing term for each victimized group. The chart, available online at www.issues4life.org/pdfs/languageofoppression.pdf, is a sobering glimpse at what he calls the “semantics of oppression.” Here is a sample of the dehumanizing terms (with sources) Dr. Brennan found applied to African Americans:
“A subordinate and inferior class of beings” (U.S. Supreme Court, 1857); “The negro is not a human being” (Bucknor Payne, Publisher, 1867); “the negro is one of the lower animals” (Professor Charles Caroll, 1900); “They are parasites”(Dr. E.T. Brady, 1909); “Free blacks in our country are… a contagion” (American Colonization Soc., 1815-30); “A negro of the African race was regarded… as an article of property” (U.S. Supreme Court, 1857); “The negro race is… a heritage of organic and psychic debris” (Dr. William English, 1903); “In the eyes of the law…the slave is not a person” (Virginia Supreme Court decision, 1858).
Disabled persons are described in equally vile terms:
“A life… devoid of those qualities which give it human dignity” (Assessment of a child with disability, Dr. Harry Hartzell, 1978); “No newborn human should be declared human until it has passed certain tests” (Dr. Francis Crick, 1978); “Until a living being can take conscious management of life… it remains an animal” (Prof. George Ball, 1981); “That’s a real parasite” (Medical staff characterization of a debilitated patient, 1989); “New-born humans are neither persons nor even quasi-persons” (Philospher Michael Tooley, 1983).
Dr. Brennan includes these quotes regarding the “unwanted unborn”: “
The fetus, at most, represents only the potentiality of life” (U.S. Supreme Court, 1973); “Like… a primitive animal that’s poked with a stick” (Dr. Hart Peterson on fetal movement, 1985); “The fetus is a parasite” (Professor Rosalind Pollack Petchesky, 1984); “Pregnancy when not wanted is a disease…in fact a venereal disease” (Professor Joseph Fletcher, 1979); “The word ‘person,’ as used in the 14th Amendment, does not include the unborn” (U.S. Supreme Court, 1973).
Dr. Brennan’s research exposes a consistent component of radical social change: verbal engineering always precedes social engineering. Referencing the familiar children’s adage, “sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me,” Dr. Brennan points out that “[d]isparaging designations may inflict greater damage than physical blows and foster a climate of antagonism leading to the actual breaking of bones and other forms of violence.”
“I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban”
by Malala Yousafzai.
Little, Brown and Company, New York, 2013, 327 pages, Grades 8 and higher.
Sometimes people find the courage to do great things. They often do not see themselves as anything extraordinary, but their actions are heroic. In American history, people like Harriet Tubman are examples of this. Tubman helps countless slaves escape through the Underground Railroad. Faced with countless problems, Harriet Tubman lived her life with fortitude.
In modern times, we also find similar people. One of these is a young Pakistani girl named Malala Yousafzai. Her goal of going to school comes into conflict with the Taliban movement in Pakistan. These deluded zealots are determined to stop girls from going to school and are willing to kill those opposing them. The Yousafzai family believes the Taliban are vicious and ruinous to the Muslim religion. Their daughter, Malala, will be at the center of the violent confrontation between the Yousafzai family and the Taliban.
Malala is born into a society that has a restricted understanding of the roles of women. She relates that few people congratulate a family when girl children are born. Rarely is the need felt to send girls, especially in rural areas, to school. Malala states that women are supposed to cook, clean, take care of the children and only leave the home if accompanied by a male relative. As a result, large percentages of women are illiterate in Pakistan.
Malala’s father thinks that girls should go to school and develop their minds. He becomes a forceful advocate for girls going to school and even starts a school for girls. This is fortunate for Malala, as she shows great promise academically. The Yousafzai family lives in the Swat Valley in Pakistan, and “Aba,” (Daddy) as Mr. Yousafzai is called by Malala, faces financial and social strains as he tries to educate his students.
After the attacks on the World Trade Center, the world changes radically in Pakistan. War breaks out in neighboring Afghanistan which soon spills over into the nearby Swat Valley. A stern, bearded group of fundamental Muslims, the Taliban, begin to slowly gain control of the Swat Valley and other parts of Pakistan. Anything Western, such as televisions, CDs and cosmetics, are seized and destroyed by the Taliban. If people refuse to obey their dictates, the Taliban quickly executes them. So a reign of terror, death and destruction takes over the Swat Valley.
One of the major issues with the Taliban is the submission of women to traditional roles. Malala and her family refuse to acquiesce to the threats of the Taliban and continue to teach and learn in their privately-run school. Malala becomes something of an international celebrity through an Internet blog she creates exposing the viciousness of the Taliban. Death threats soon follow and assassins are finally sent to silence the girl. They stop and surround her school bus and then ominously enter. The killers ask one question: “Who is Malala?”
Why does Malala survive the brutal shooting? How does this savage attack have such a massive effect on public opinion? Why can a 5-foot-tall, 14-year-old girl stand up to the abuses and violence of the Taliban? Where does Malala discover her heroic courage and fortitude? To find out, go to the library and check out this harrowing, but heroic story of the girl that stood up to the Taliban.
Malala’s story is told with great compassion and sensitivity. It is only in October 2013 that she finally recovers from her savage attack. Obviously, this book is not some simple, pleasant story. But Malala’s stand against injustice is one that needs to be known.
The epic courage of Malala and her family is uplifting and inspiring. The Yousafzai family represents the best qualities in the human spirit. I hope you get a chance to read this outstanding book of courage, sorrow and triumph.
As originally introduced last year by Senator Danielle Conrad, Legislative Bill 485 would make it unlawful for employers of 15 or more employees to make decisions about hiring, firing, and terms and conditions of employment based on an individual’s “sexual orientation.” In addition, it would apply the same prohibitive standard to all contractors and subcontractors of the state and political subdivisions; and it would correspondingly expand the affirmative-action policy that guides state government.
This is about employment superficially, but it is considerably more than that. It is a multi-dimensional public-policy issue of cultural significance. A newly surfaced amendment backed by Senator Conrad makes the issue even weightier.
The employer mandate would be imposed through changes to the Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act. That set of statutes now makes it unlawful to discriminate in employment on the bases of race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status or national origin.
LB 485 was one subject of an odd public hearing—conducted simultaneously along with two other, broadly related bills—in front of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee on March 14, 2013. No amendments were submitted at that time. The committee carried the bill over to 2014.
In seeking to add sexual orientation as a protected classification subject to the state’s coercive authority to act against discrimination, LB 485 does not distinguish between sexual inclination (attraction) and sexual conduct. It encompasses both. This creates a weighty dilemma, both morally and in relation to public policy.
From the perspective of Catholic teaching and the views of many others, sexual conduct outside of marriage of a man and a woman, including same-sex sexual conduct, has no claim to special protection. LB 485 seeks to give it that, as well as legal affirmation. The legislation would eliminate, as a matter of public policy, the rights of a lot of employers to use discretion on the basis of known, morally opposed conduct. While such a law might forbid and punish some unjust discrimination, it also would forbid and punish decisions based upon moral disapproval of sexual conduct outside of marriage of a man and a woman. Other detriments tip the balance.
The legislation’s purported safeguard for religious freedom, which is a convoluted version of Federal Title VII’s exemptions, would cover only a subset of religious employers. This inadequacy threatens the institutional identity and integrity of some religious entities. There is no safeguard, other than the 15-employee threshold, for individual business owners who seek to operate their businesses in accord with religious beliefs and/or moral values.
There are broader public-policy repercussions as well. Some courts in other states have relied on state law prohibiting employment decisions on the basis of sexual orientation as part of a basis for creating a right to same-sex marriage. Make no mistake, such legislation is a prong of an ideologically motivated political strategy.
The public-policy shortcomings of such legislation are further exposed by the lack of empirically sound evidence that employment discrimination on the basis sexual orientation is pervasive or causing either significant or widespread economic disadvantage.
On Feb. 3, Senator Conrad chose LB 485 as her priority for the current session.
A few days later, the Judiciary Committee met in an executive session that had LB 485 on the agenda. Not long before that convening, committee members received a re-write of the bill, a “Strike-the-original-sections” amendment.
The re-write amendment has three changes of considerable substance and significance.
First and foremost, it proposes to add a second, new, separate classification for protection and legal affirmation; namely, “gender identity.”
Setting forth definitions of both “gender identity” and “sexual orientation,” is the second substantive change; and not only for purposes of LB 485 itself, but for purposes of statutory construction universally.
“Gender identity” is proposed to be defined as follows: “the actual or perceived appearance, expression, identity, or behavior of an individual, whether or not that appearance, expression, identity, or behavior is different from the individual’s assigned sex at birth.”
“Sexual orientation,” undefined in the original bill, is now proposed to be defined as “actual or perceived homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality.”
The third substantive change is proposed inclusion of some confusing wording that is seems intended to exclude religiously sponsored educational entities from the proscription.
Within a day or so after the gender-identity-and-more amendment was revealed, the Judiciary Committee met again in executive session and this time took a vote on a motion to advance the amended version of LB 485 to the full Legislature.
To their credit, Senators Al Davis from Hyannis, Les Seiler from Hastings, Colby Coash from Lincoln and Mark Christensen from Imperial voted “no” and the motion failed. They deserve affirmation for doing so.
For the sake of sound public policy, so that morally controversial conduct is not specially protected, the Nebraska Catholic Conference hopes all four hold to that position in the event another vote is taken.
Recently while walking through our lobby, I greeted a man who seemed a little older than I. He seemed pleasant but quite concerned and worried. It turns out he was facing a three day eviction notice from his landlord. Seeing my clerical garb, he asked, “Would you please pray for me?” He then explained his plight. He informed me he had recently lost his housing voucher and was trying to adjust his finances in order to remain in his apartment. He was behind in his rent. He said he had nowhere else to turn.
I invited him to join me in our beautiful St. Joseph Chapel where we have the Blessed Sacrament reserved. As I knelt down I noticed him trying to do the same but was only able to go down on one knee because of a physical abnormality. I thanked God for all He has done for us and asked him to help His adopted son who was in need of assistance.
After our prayers he showed me a check written by one of the local Protestant congregations in town made out to his landlord for one third of the rent. The check was so recent, the “ink was wet.” After meeting with our social services case worker, and her assessment, he found out we were able to help with the rest of the rent. He left our office grateful for the help and the prayers said to Jesus in our chapel. He was heard repeating over and over in a loud voice, “Praised be Jesus! Praised be Jesus!”
This was not the first time I have been stopped in our lobby for the purpose of praying with a client and it will not be the last. We are grateful we have chapels in each of our four fixed sites. I cannot tell you how many times I walk past our chapel and make visits to the Lord during the day only to find someone off the streets talking to the Lord, some of whom are crying. It is in these same chapels we not only pray for our clients but for all of our donors too, for without you, we would not be able to help the countless individuals and families that come to us on a daily basis.
I am elated to relate that minutes before typing these words, Ray and Carolyn Mazour from Blue Hill stopped by our main office with a gift from Holy Trinity parish in Blue Hill - an extra tabernacle that was in storage. I would like to thank their pastor, Father James Schrader, and the parishioners of Holy Trinity. It is in great shape and will come in handy for an upcoming expansion project.
I would like to thank Ray and Carolyn for taking time to deliver this most precious gift. It is similar to the tabernacles in our St. Francis Chapel in Auburn, St. Isidore the Farmer Chapel in Imperial and Bishop James Conley’s chapel in his home.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us!
Last weekend, I witnessed several examples of the strength of the pro-life heartbeat in Nebraska. On Saturday, I was privileged to attend and serve as emcee for a pro-life prayer breakfast in Wayne. The event was organized by pro-life leaders in and around Wayne.
The chief organizer of this event was Bonnie Hoffman, the long-time pro-life coordinator for St. Mary Church in Wayne. This kind of leadership is the reason why my office recognized Mrs. Hoffman with the 2013 Gospel of Life award for the Archdiocese of Omaha.
This pro-life prayer breakfast drew an impressive crowd of more than 100 participants from several communities surrounding Wayne. I’m not at all surprised by this turnout, given the consistent and exemplary level of pro-life activity being sponsored by Catholic parish pro-life coordinators throughout northeast Nebraska.
The program featured a powerful short video on fetal development, local musicians and an inspiring presentation by keynote speaker Martha Hawthorne, host of “Praying with Mommy” on Sioux City’s Catholic radio station. Ms. Hawthorne shared her own pro-life testimony “as a single young mother and (her) story of prayer, forgiveness and mercy.”
Another example of pro-life dynamism on display at the breakfast was a gorgeous pro-life calendar, entitled “Celebration of Life 2014,” produced by the pro-life leaders in Wayne. A similar calendar was produced by parish pro-life coordinators in Hartington, a neighboring community to the north. These calendars feature very touching photos of local citizens, from babies to teens to seniors—all intended as a “Celebration of Life” and to raise funds for local pro-life activities.
The same day Wayne’s pro-life breakfast was held, the pro-life leaders in Fremont held a similar prayer breakfast, also attracting more than 100 participants. Fremont pro-life leaders have sponsored this annual pro-life breakfast for many years helping to keep the pro-life heartbeat going in Fremont.
Over last weekend, I also received a couple of reports from pro-life leaders in other parts of Nebraska. Among my e-mails was a message from Marian Czapla, a long-time pro-life coordinator from St. Rose of Lima Parish in Genoa. Mrs. Czapla gave me this report:
“Just finished our Magi collection—very pleased with the response considering we have had so many benefits in the past few months. We have $300, 14 dozen disposal diapers, 26 body suits, 14 outfits, five blankets, 21 sleepers and 16 misc. items. Plan to deliver to Birthright of Columbus tomorrow.” Epiphany and Advent baby showers are promoted among all parishes by my office.
And finally, I received a very moving e-mail from Janice Reinke, the volunteer director of Hope Pregnancy Center in Superior, in which she shares the extraordinary work being done by a group of caring volunteers. Here are some excerpts:
“We have faithful, willing volunteers that care deeply for each and every one of our parents. We teach mom, dads, and couples through our ‘Earn While You Learn’ curriculum. Those that are willing to attend their appointments and complete their lessons, are also thrilled to earn incentives as simple as toilet paper, diapers, laundry soap, or as great as cribs, safety gates, potty chairs or a washer. In our low-income communities, every little bit helps reduce their financial stress.
“We purchased our building in March of 2013, but celebrated our 15th anniversary in November. We have four female mentors and quite a few volunteers that do everything from sorting and organizing incentives, writing thank-yous, housekeeping tasks, bookkeeping, copying or writing lessons, writing grants or designing a newsletter, serving as board members, or speaking to groups.
“In 2013 we saw 30 women and seven men, parents to nearly 50 children. They attended 552 (90-minute) appointments, doing over 600 lessons and earning 2,421 ‘baby bucks’ (which would equal about $7,500 of product)…[some of which] were redeemed for 5,413 disposable diapers.”
In the 41 years since Roe v. Wade the pro-life movement has experienced many ups and downs, including attempts by some to write its obituary. The tireless work of pro-life champions like those mentioned herein, is compelling evidence that the heart of the pro-life movement is beating strong.
“The Lost and Found Pony”
by Tracy Dockray.
Feiwel and Friends, New York, 2011, 32 pages, Grades K-3.
Owning a horse is a life-changing event for children. Every day they must go to the barn and curry (comb) the animals and feed them. Additionally, they must exercise the horses. This is usually done on trail rides through parks or pastures, or by galloping through fields.
It is an exciting hobby. Additionally, young people develop deep friendship with their equine companions. These relationships allow children to develop character, compassion and self-discipline.
Tracy Dockray has written a lovely story of a young girl’s relationship with her horse. There are many trials for both the horse and the young girl, but the power of love shines through this beautiful tale. It is currently listed on the Golden Sower Book List for K-3 students and is entitled, “The Lost and Found Pony.”
The small colt is born and gazes up at the immense barn on the farm. All the other animals are much larger than the little pony and seem somewhat intimidating. But other small animals love the pony and together they run through the country pastures.
The family who owns the farm has a young daughter who is attracted to the sweet little pony. Since she is small as well, the pony seems to be the right size. Soon she rides the small horse around the farm and even enters jumping competitions.
For a while, all is well, but one day the jumps are simply too tall for the little horse. He refuses to jump over the high bars and the girl takes a dangerous tumble. With this, her parents refuse to let her daughter ride the pony any longer. The girl and the pony are heartbroken when the parents sell the little horse to a circus a few days later. The girl is given a large, powerful horse easily capable of clearing the bars in jumping competitions. But the girl’s interest in riding declines. She longs for her little pony.
Meanwhile, the pony gets a new owner at the circus. This man is friendly toward the pony and they become the stars of trick riding under the big circus tent. For years they travel throughout the country, performing for large crowds. But always during the performances, the little pony anxiously looks into the crowds, hoping to see the young girl he loves so.
But sadly, as people begin watching more television and playing more video games, the circus starts to fail. People quit coming to the circus and it goes bankrupt. The little pony is now old and less able to jump and run. What will become of him?
At the auction of all the circus animals, he stands sadly in a corral by himself. Suddenly something wonderful happens. A young woman strides over to buy him. He turns his tired head and joy tumbles over him.
Who is this young woman? Why is she so interested in the old, tired pony? What happens to the pony? Have you ever found something you had lost? How did it make you feel? How do the woman and the old pony feel? To find out, go to the library and check out this touching story, “The Lost and Found Pony,” by Tracy Dockray.
This book is so poignant that it will bring tears to your eyes. As well, readers will learn that the little pony never is angry about being small, but tries to develop himself positively. He always loves and in return is loved. We can learn a great deal about ourselves through this beautifully told story. The pictures will simply capture your heart and I hope you get the chance to share this touching book with the younger members of your family. I loved the story and think you will too. Enjoy!
The Office for Evangelization has selected "The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic" to be the next One Book, One Diocese selection.
The author, Matthew Kelly, is a popular motivational Catholic writer and speaker who challenges his readers and listeners to become a “better-version-of-yourself.” He does so by helping us first to know and appreciate our Catholic Faith and then to live it and share it. He has put his ideas in writing in very easy to read books.
The book chosen for our present consideration describes four typical qualities of “dynamic” Catholics, which Mr. Kelly identifies as: prayer, study, generosity and evangelization. He singles out people who do not seek to do the mere minimum required to be considered Catholic. Rather, dynamic Catholics strive to be the best possible disciples they can be, each and every day.
What this means is that prayer is a daily activity that takes priority over many superficial ones. Dynamic Catholics are lifelong learners, doing what they can to grow in knowledge and understanding of the Faith. They are known also for their generosity in time, talent and treasure shared with God and His Church. And, finally, their love for Jesus is evident in the various ways that they share their faith with others.
Most of us probably would like to be known as dynamic Catholics. So what is stopping us? We don’t want to stand out in the crowd. We’re too busy. We don’t have what it takes. These typical excuses cause us to be unmotivated to take a step forward in our spiritual life. Oftentimes this is the result of thinking we have to make radical changes all at once. Mr. Kelly suggests that we take one small step at a time, which will reap great spiritual rewards over time.
Begin with a commitment of just a couple minutes (or extra minutes) of prayer each day. Add just five pages of daily reading from a good Catholic book. Deliberately plan to incrementally increase financial support of the parish and charity until reaching a full 10% tithe. Finally, try to share your faith in some simple way just once each week. Any serious well-intentioned Catholic should be able to say, “I can do that!”
Matthew Kelly suggests that few Catholics presently could be described as “dynamic”, but he proposes realistic ways to increase those numbers. Many Catholics are dutiful--that is, they attend Mass regularly and are active in their parishes. But the New Evangelization needed to revitalize the Church in our day requires that dutiful Catholics become dynamic so that the Church may not only preserve its influence in society, but also may begin to transform it in radical ways.
The reform of the world must begin with the reform of individuals. Matthew Kelly provides us with helpful hints for moving forward in our quest for holiness by becoming the-best-version-of-ourselves. His insights are worthy not only of personal reflection, but also of group study. This book is inexpensive and already has been distributed widely. Plan now to join another person or group in delving into each chapter of this engaging book so that we might challenge one another to deepen and enliven our Catholic faith.
“The Lord came and stood forth, calling … ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for thy servant hears’” (1 Sam 3:10). We should all be aware of the initial calling of the young boy Samuel, who became one of the greatest of the Old Testament prophets and was involved in the calling of Saul (the first king of Israel) and then David (after Saul lost his kingship because of his disobedience and lack of true repentance).
The Second Vatican Council document Sacrosanctum Concilium says in paragraph seven: “To accomplish so great a work, Christ is always present in His Church, especially in her liturgical celebrations. He is present in the sacrifice of the Mass, not only in the person of His minister, ‘the same now offering, through the ministry of priests, who formerly offered himself on the cross,’ but especially under the Eucharistic species. By His power He is present in the sacraments, so that when a man baptizes it is really Christ Himself who baptizes. He is present in His word, since it is He Himself who speaks when the holy scriptures are read in the Church. He is present, lastly, when the Church prays and sings, for He promised: ‘Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them’ (Matt. 18:20).”
However, sometimes God speaks to us in extra-ordinary ways. Just days ago, a worried and concerned woman in need called me imploring our help. I have known this woman for over 10 years. She had some medical problems and underwent surgery. Unable to pay the portion she owed, her wages were garnished. She wanted help with her electric bill. I asked her to come in the office for an appointment and felt confident we would be able to help. Literally seconds later, I found myself talking to another woman who said, “Father, God told me to donate some money for someone’s electric bill!” I asked her how much and shook my head in amazement. It was the same amount needed for the woman’s electric bill mentioned above.
You might wonder what the second woman was doing when she heard the voice of God as the young Samuel did. When reading the beginning part of First Samuel, we learn that the boy Samuel was in the temple of the Lord, not far from the Ark of the Covenant. It was the arc that contained the stone tablets where the word of the Lord was inscribed. The woman mentioned above, who heard God’s voice was in a church (temple) in front of the tabernacle (arc) which contains the Word made Flesh, which is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. He is the one who said, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40).
This is not the first time something like this has happened. For example, when we have a particular need we start praying and before long someone comes forth who has been inspired by God and is the instrument by which God answers our particular prayer intention. I would like to thank not only the woman mentioned above who answered God’s call but all of our donors who daily answer God’s calling through the Holy Spirit, the real and only reason we are able to help Jesus who is present in the poor and needy.
In 2011, the Obama Administration decided to use the heavy hand of the federal government to force almost every healthcare plan to include coverage of female sterilization and contraception, including those methods that work as abortifacients. Only a very narrow category of religious entities (primarily houses of worship) are exempted, leaving many Catholic/religious institutions (schools, hospitals, social services, etc.) and every for-profit business still subject to the mandate.
With good reason, those who are not exempted from this offensive and unjust mandate strongly objected to the Administration’s unprecedented infringement upon their religious freedom. However, instead of accepting the much broader religious exemption long enshrined in other areas of federal law, the Obama Administration dug in its heals and accused objectors of engaging in a “war on women.”
Ironically, this phony “war on women” has been turned upside down with the help and faithfulness of the Little Sisters of the Poor. This order of nuns operates thirty homes in the United States where it cares for impoverished elderly and dying persons. Worldwide, the Little Sisters serve more than 13,000 elderly poor people in thirty-one countries.
In the mind of the Obama Administration, however, the Little Sisters are not “religious” enough to be considered a religious employer exempted from this mandate. Why? Because they don’t limit their service primarily to Catholics and will serve anyone in need.
To their eternal credit, the Little Sisters refuse to violate Catholic moral teaching by submitting to the Administration’s bullying. Consequently, they sued the federal government for violating their religious liberty and, thanks be to God, have been granted preliminary relief from the mandate by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Little Sisters case is before the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals but this Court refused to grant injunctive relief to the Sisters while the case is being adjudicated. So the Sisters appealed that decision to the Supreme Court and, on January 24th, were granted a preliminary injunction prohibiting enforcement of the mandate until the Circuit Court rules on the merits of the case.
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which provides legal representation for the Little Sisters, said in a news release:
“The injunction means that the Little Sisters will not be forced to sign and deliver the controversial government forms authorizing and instructing their benefits administrator to provide contraceptives, sterilization, and drugs and devices that may cause early abortions. The Court’s order also provides protection to more than 400 other Catholic organizations that receive health benefits through the same Catholic benefits provider, Christian Brothers.”
On its excellent website (becketfund.org), the Becket Fund keeps track of the 92 lawsuits that have been filed against the mandate. Half of these lawsuits have been filed by for-profit employers and half by non-profit employers. Nineteen of the non-profit employers (like the Little Sisters) have received injunctive relief and only one has been denied relief.
For-profit employers are having equally good success with 33 receiving injunctive relief and only six being denied relief, so far. Two of these for-profit cases, Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood, are currently before the U.S. Supreme Court with rulings expected this June.
As of January 30, there were 81 amicus (friend of the Court) briefs submitted to the Supreme Court in these two cases. More than 70 percent (58) of the briefs were in support of Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood. These included briefs by 107 bipartisan members of Congress (including 5 of Nebraska’s 6 members of Congress), 20 states (including Nebraska), leading scholars, doctors and women’s organizations, prominent Protestant and Catholic theologians and a diversity of religious groups.
All of these briefs are posted on the Becket Fund website mentioned previously. I encourage you to go to the website and read the brief submitted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. And while you are on the website, check out the great video about those “rockstar” Little Sisters!
“A Ball for Daisy” by Chris Raschka.
Schwartz & Wade Books, New York, 2011, 32 pages, Grades pre-school - K.
Wordless picture books are some of the most fascinating stories in children’s literature. Whereas most picture books have text, which tells readers as much as the drawings, wordless books must carry the story through the art in the work. As a result, artists must be doubly effective with their illustrations to inform and delight readers. While many wordless texts are designed for a preschool audience, others can be drawn to interest high school students. Chris Raschka has created a charming wordless picture book entitled “A Ball For Daisy.”
The book begins with Daisy, a young puppy, playing and chewing on a red ball. She rolls over on her back and holds the ball on her stomach. Next, she tries to balance the ball on her nose. Eventually, she pushes the ball and it goes flying away. Fortunately, the red ball lands on a sofa. After spying it laying there, Daisy jumps up on the davenport and lies down. Yawning, Daisy rests her head on the ball and falls asleep. But soon this happy interlude ends when the lady of the house brings in the dog leash. This excites Daisy as going for walks is always fun. The lady knows how much the red ball means to Daisy and brings it along. When they get to a park with a fence, the woman throws the ball. Daisy quickly chases the ball but it rolls under a fence. Now the puppy is at a complete loss of what to do. How do you get the ball? It is stuck behind a steel fence. Daisy collapses on the ground and looks longingly at the ball. Lucky for her, the lady reaches over the fence and retrieves the ball. Daisy is thrilled to have her toy back. But bad luck comes quickly. A brown dog runs in front of Daisy and takes her red ball. The other dog pushes the ball and runs away with it. Daisy chases the brown dog and they begin fighting over the red ball. All of a sudden the brown dog bites the ball and it explodes. His owner rapidly takes him away. But Daisy’s favorite toy is completely ruined. She lays down and looks at the ball and is so sad that she tries to shake the red ball to make it work again. But she soon sees that nothing can fix the red ball. With this she sits back and howls in anguish. Her owner picks up the wrecked ball and throws it in the garbage can. Now Daisy knows for sure that she has lost her best friend. She doesn’t know if she will ever be happy again. Her owner leads the crushed and saddened Daisy home. As Daisy lays on the sofa, the little girl in the family pets her. Then during a walk on another day, a wonderful thing happens to Daisy. It is so terrific that she leaps for joy.
What has happened? What causes Daisy to go from depression to happiness so quickly? Have you lost something that meant a great deal to you? What happened when it was replaced? What lovely present does Daisy receive? To find out, go to the library and checkout this delightful book, “A Ball For Daisy” by Chris Raschka.
“A Ball For Daisy” won the 2012 Caldecott Medal for the picture book making the most distinguished contribution to children’s literature. This is a lovely book to share with younger members of your family. It is easy to identify with Daisy’s joys and sorrows. The pictures are delightfully childlike and will make you want to bend down and pet Daisy. You will have as much fun “reading” this wordless picture book as your youngsters will have “listening” to it. It is great fun. Enjoy!
The Nebraska Legislature has completed more than a third of its 2014 session of 60 legislative days. Most of that time was devoted to morning floor debate on legislation carried over from last year and to afternoon committee hearings on bills newly introduced this year.
Legislators will have been in session for 18 consecutive week days by the time they take a four-day weekend for Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. It would be a stretch to say that accomplishments matched the time spent. Then again, it’s not necessarily a negative effect when the legislative process moves slowly, although pressure will build to pass more bills.
A key day upcoming will be Feb. 20. It’s the deadline for designation of senator and committee priority bills. The priority-designation period opened this week. As those bills are advanced from the committees, they will begin to appear on the daily agendas for the full Legislature.
Catholic testimony
LB 675 had its hearing, but appears unlikely to be advanced by the Revenue Committee or to be designated a priority. It’s the bill introduced by Senator Ernie Chambers that proposes to terminate the eligibility of any property that is both owned by a religious organization and used predominantly for religious purposes for exemption from ad valorem taxation.
The public hearing on LB 675 was not complex or stirring. Senator Chambers introduced the bill and spent a half-hour or so presenting his own theological musings on the Scripture-based “Tribute Episode” (“Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s….”) and talking about why churches don’t deserve tax exemptions. One witness, representing an organization of secularists, testified in support of the bill.
The only testimony in opposition to the bill was presented on behalf of the Catholic Diocesan Bishops in their affiliation as the Nebraska Catholic Conference. No other denominations were represented, even though a public record was being created. Apparently they take for granted the permissive public policy that has existed for more than a century.
Excerpts from the Catholic Conference testimony follow. The full text is on the NCC’s website: www.nebcathcon.org:
“There is no compelling or sufficient reason to terminate this traditional exemption, which is so firmly grounded in meeting human needs and serving the common good.
“Churches are not just ongoing associations of faith and spirituality; they are anchors; a beneficial and stabilizing influence in community life of all sorts. Through their dedication to, and facilitation of, worship, prayer, faith-study and fellowship, they help their members find meaning in life…. Perhaps even more significantly, churches are reservoirs and resources of hope, hope not just for the future, but hope in the face of so many new and ongoing challenges and struggles. Hope that often overcomes despair, bitterness and resentment. These are incalculable values for personal lives, family and societal relationships and the common good.
“Churches are voluntary associations of individuals and families, who already pay taxes individually and as households. They associate and assemble, not to evade taxes, but to worship and pray, study the tenets of their faith, enrich their morality and spirituality and engage in mission and ministry. They should not be taxed again for the time, effort, interest and money they contribute to the facilitation of these collective activities.
“Many churches, especially in older neighborhoods, low-income neighborhoods and rural communities, would be greatly and unjustly burdened by the added demands of property taxes and already-tight budgets. What’s more, the power to tax is, in the long run, the power to control or suppress. Such tax burdens could suppress the freedom to exercise religion freely, as well as the opportunity and ability to render unto God what is God’s.”
Immigration reform
On another matter, 14 legislators, led by Senator John Wightman from Lexington, introduced Legislative Resolution 399, which urges Nebraska’s delegation in the U.S. House and Senate to act vigorously to enact comprehensive immigration reform.
Such reform, according to LR 399, should update the nation’s immigration system. It should “recognize the need to protect the borders of the United States, maintain respect for the law, embody fairness, and protect families.” It should “protect agriculture, small businesses, and working Nebraskans and facilitate increases in the labor market and professions necessary to protect rural communities from further economic decline.”
Immigration policy is a federal jurisdiction and there is not much a state legislature can do about reforming it. But an encouraging resolution is something that can be done. It is symbolic, but significant. It would be even more significant if each state legislator would call each member of Nebraska’s Congressional delegation and personally urge action to accomplish just, meaningful, common-sense immigration reform.
LR 399 had a public hearing recently in front of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. It can be advanced to the full Legislature to be discussed and adopted. It deserves that attention.
Bipartisan Co-sponsors
And finally….. LB 857 must be a really good bill. It certainly has some uniqueness, including 37 co-sponsors. But even more, from the perspective of political philosophies, bills are few and far between on which one finds names such as these joined in offering a policy proposal: Lathrop, McGill, Mello, Nordquist, Avery, Bolz, Crawford and Kolowski from the left leaning; Kintner, Janssen, Brasch, McCoy, Bloomfield, Christensen, Watermeier and Schilz from the right-leaning. Surely the Capitol is quivering.
A few days ago, a homeless woman who found an apartment needed a place to stay for a week before she could move in. She was happy to be employed now and did not want to sleep in her car because of the cold weather. A priest in the diocese suggested she call Catholic Social Services. She called us and came in for an appointment. We were able to pay for a motel room for a one week stay.
Later that same day as she was filling her car with gas, she spied another priest filling his car with gas. Knowing he was a priest because of his clerical clothes, she ran over and asked, “Do you know ‘Father Kobart’?” She then proceeded to tell him what we had done.
On Sunday, Feb. 16, we will celebrate our 27th annual “Celebration of Caring” banquet at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln. The social hour begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m.
This is our time to present briefly our ‘state of the union,’ outlining what God has allowed us to accomplish through the generosity of our donors and volunteers. There are many stories big and small to share like the one outlined above, which was huge for the lady involved. Whether it is helping a homeless individual or family find housing, or helping an individual or family stay into their home, helping women escape abortion and domestic violence, the provision of food, clothing, vehicles, furniture, appliances, or to provide some person, couple, or family with a grant for counseling services because they are un-insured or under-insured, all those who are helped are as excited and thankful as the woman mentioned above.
I am happy to announce that Jerry and Kay Wessel from St. James Parish in Crete will receive the Cor Christi award for exhibiting by their actions the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They have both done a lot not only for their local parish but for other diocesan entities across the diocese. Jerry is a member of our Board of Administrators and is one of our volunteers. He has done many things for Catholic Social Services over the years, including starting our donation trailer rotation which visits 35 parishes across southern Nebraska. He has also helped other diocesan entities including Camp Kateri.
Kay is active in the LDCCW and has started the yearly diaper drive which benefits not only Catholic Social Services and St. Gianna Women’s Homes but many other pro-life agencies across southern Nebraska. She too has given herself in a self-less manner by her volunteerism. She also makes soup like no one else I know, except maybe Father Bourek.
In addition to this there will be a small number of silent auction items, including one live auction item – a gourmet dinner with Bishop Conley at his home. I look forward to seeing some of you there and for those who cannot come, please pray for the success of this yearly event where we thank God and our donors who are inspired to help us help Jesus who lives in the poor and needy (Mt 25:31-46). Please be assured of our prayers for you and your family. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us, Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us, all of our patron saints, pray for us!
Last week I was privileged to be one of the hundreds of thousands of participants in the 41st annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. As usual, it pumped me up with enthusiasm and encouragement for the future of the pro-life movement.
The most obvious sign of encouragement is the increasingly youthful face of the marchers. A quick scan of the crowd revealed one group after another of students—clearly the vast majority of marchers—each with their distinctly colored stocking cap or scarf. Even the Washington Post (usually quite unsympathetic to the pro-life cause) acknowledged in an article that “the world’s largest antiabortion event… grows younger each year.”
I was very proud of the large—and growing—number of students from Nebraska who attended the March. The Archdiocese of Omaha brought seven busloads of students (about 365 individuals). The Diocese of Lincoln brought five busloads (about 260 individuals) which was two busloads more than last year! And the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Newman Center brought two busloads (about 100).
A few years ago, this demographic shift of young people from the pro-abortion movement to the pro-life movement prompted then president of NARAL (National Abortion Rights Action League), Nancy Keenan, to resign her position so a younger president could try to reverse this momentum.
Another positive sign for the pro-life movement mentioned at the March is the shift in number of pro-life pregnancy-help centers versus the number of abortion mills. Not long ago, there were more abortion mills in this country than pregnancy-help centers. Today, there are 4-5 times as many pregnancy-help centers as there are surgical abortion mills.
According to a survey by the pro-life group Operation Rescue, a record number of surgical abortion clinics in the United States closed in 2013, reducing the number by 12 percent to 582. Even more encouraging, the number of surgical abortion mills has dropped 73 percent from a 1991 high of 2,176.
To be clear, our ultimate objective as a pro-life movement is not to make abortion illegal or harder to obtain, it is to make it unthinkable. Certainly, a critical part of this objective is to secure legal protection for unborn children, but we must go a step further to ensure that we address the injustices that drive women to procure an abortion.
These encouraging signs were countered by a very impoverished statement by President Obama enthusiastically embracing the view that access to abortion is critical to a woman’s ability to participate and advance in our society. Here’s his statement:
“Today, as we reflect on the 41st anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, we recommit ourselves to the decision’s guiding principle: that every woman should be able to make her own choices about her body and her health. We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to protecting a woman’s access to safe, affordable health care and her constitutional right to privacy, including the right to reproductive freedom.
“And we resolve to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies, support maternal and child health, and continue to build safe and healthy communities for all our children. Because this is a country where everyone deserves the same freedom and opportunities to fulfill their dreams.”
This statement is beneath the dignity of the presidency; it is nothing more than facile pro-abortion propaganda and is absent of thoughtful public discourse. His reference to the unborn child as being a part of the woman’s body is ancient rhetoric that is embarrassing from the perspective of modern science.
Furthermore, the president’s characterization of abortion as providing women with the freedom and opportunity to fulfill their dreams is insulting to women. Championing legal abortion as an achievement for women’s rights does nothing to address the real injustices that pregnant women face in our society. Rather, this view abandons women, leaving them to (in the words of Feminists for Life president Serrin Foster) “submit to these injustices by destroying their pregnancies.”
In the shadows of the Feast of St. Paul’s conversion, let us pray daily for the conversion of President Obama and all pro-abortion public officials that they would see the light of Truth.
“Peyton Manning” by Jim Gigliotto.
Child’s World Press, Chanhassen, Minn., 2007, 32 pages, Grades 3-5.
Sports heroes often give needed inspiration to young fans. If children feel down or need inspirational role figures, athletes can provide this needed boost. Sometimes the personal life of sports figures does not meet their public images. So when the public encounters someone with a remarkable public and private life, a faithful following will result.
Occasionally, an entire family will be public heroes. This is particularly true with the famous Manning family. The father, Archie, was an outstanding quarterback in the National Football League. Two of his sons, Peyton and Eli, will follow his example. Jim Gigliotti has written a fine biography of the current quarterback of the Denver Broncos, Peyton Manning. On February 2, 2014, Peyton Manning will attempt to lead Denver to a Super Bowl victory. This book is his story.
Growing up, Peyton is not particularly attracted to football. He sits in on team meetings with his father and learns many basic ideas about football and life. But he is more interested in baseball and doesn’t play football until junior high school. It quickly becomes obvious that this boy is talented. He is also tall and very athletic. Peyton leads his New Orleans high school to many triumphs and by his senior year in 1993 is one of the most recruited players in the United States. His dad, Archie, is so famous at his Alma Mater, the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), that the speed limit on campus is the number on his football jersey. Everyone expects Peyton to quickly sign at Ole Miss and continue the Manning legacy. Much to their displeasure, Peyton signs with the University of Tennessee. Immediately cries of treason to the University of Mississippi are hurled at Peyton and the Manning family. This anger doesn’t really die out until a few years later when Peyton’s younger brother, Eli, does sign at Ole Miss and leads the school back into football fame.
At the University of Tennessee, Peyton becomes a star quarterback and leads his team into national championship contention. He is as successful in the classroom as the football field and graduates with honors in only three years. In the 1998 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Peyton Manning as the first choice off the draft board. It is a choice that paid many dividends to the team in the succeeding years. Peyton’s brilliant passing and play calling will keep the Colts continually in the hunt of league championships. His great play will be rewarded with a triumph in the Super Bowl. In the last two seasons, Peyton has played for the Denver Broncos and has turned the team into one of the most exciting offenses in the history of football.
Do you enjoy watching football? Do you have any heroes in the college or pro games? Besides his great passing, why have people in Nebraska become so pleased to watch Peyton? What does Peyton shout when he audibles and changes a play at the line of scrimmage? If you don’t know, watch the Super Bowl and you will be in for a treat.
To find out more about this remarkable quarterback, go to the library and check out this fine biography, “Peyton Manning,” by Jim Gigliotti.
This is an excellent book for children in the middle grades. The text is very well written and the photographs bring the story of Peyton Manning to life. At the conclusion of the book is a list of his many accomplishments. Encourage your children and young family members to read this well-written book.
Just a few short weeks ago, we brought the liturgical season of Christmas to a close and entered into what is known simply as Ordinary Time. During the first few weeks of this “ordinary” season, the Gospel readings at Mass have shown Jesus actively involved in comforting, healing and strengthening people, doing what can be defined fundamentally as ministry and outreach.
What is important to note is that our Lord did not begin His work as a teacher, but as a healer. It was His power to restore people to a state of well-being that made Him initially so attractive to the masses, not His clarity and authority in teaching. In order for Him to teach effectively, it was necessary first for Jesus to dispose the crowds properly for a receptive acceptance of the eternal truths He came to profess. He accomplished this task first by reaching out to all who were hurting and then by ministering to their particular needs.
Jesus did this even before calling His first disciples to follow Him, and this was quite intentional. Note from last weekend’s Gospel how well disposed Peter and his brother Andrew were toward Jesus when He said, “Come after me.” St. Matthew reported, “At once they left their nets and followed him.” Equally striking was the sacrifice that James and John were ready to make: “Immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.” The urgent and radical nature of their response was dependent upon the reputation that Jesus had already established well beforehand.
We have much to learn not only from what Jesus did in His ministry and outreach, but also from when and why He did it. His timing was always purposeful. He reached out to the flock in the ministry of healing so as to predispose the sheep to recognize and heed His voice, most especially as a safeguard against the deceptive voices of the “wolves” who would be constantly on the prowl to lead one astray, making it vulnerable to an attack and a kill. Yes, Jesus got the people’s attention by exercising love and mercy before He began to teach them about entering the Kingdom of God.
In our day and age, many have become ill-disposed to hearing, learning and following the ways of the Lord. We would do well to take a page out of Jesus’ instruction manual, the Bible, and imitate His “M.O.” (modus operandi, or method of operation). Before asking folks to do something for Him, He did something for them. We need to do the same by being responsive to the needs of others before expecting them to respond to our invitations to follow the Commandments better or to be more obedient to the moral laws of the Church. This M.O. is also effective--perhaps even essential--in garnering respect and obedience from children.
Our own ministry and outreach can take many forms. Catholics have the advantage of being part of a Church that provides many opportunities to serve others through its own institutions and their outreach ministries, such as: Catholic Social Services, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Knights of Columbus and Legion of Mary, among others. We also know that we need to tend to particular needs of specific individuals in order to help make them better disposed to receive spiritual advice and direction.
All of what we do in terms of ministry and outreach--be it general or specific--forms us as evangelizers and readies others to hear and accept the saving Gospel message that Jesus came to proclaim. It is incumbent upon us as disciples to take that flame of faith that burns in our hearts and to carry it to the ends of the earth, beginning, of course, in our own back yards!
For centuries, many mistakenly thought that reaching the heights of sanctity was reserved, for the most part, for clergy and religious. Those who held this view admitted there were exceptions to this rule. Then in the 16th century came St. Francis de Sales, who devoted much of his time dispelling this myth from the hearts of believers wherever he went. This was the point of his famous book entitled, “Introduction to the Devout Life,” which is still in print and can be purchased.
In this important work he states that people who really love God think of Him constantly throughout the day. To those who think this odd or impossible, consider the following: How many times have you heard, “I just met Clem and I am so ‘madly in love’ with him that I cannot stop thinking of him!”
Or, “I just met Betty Lou, and I am so ‘madly in love’ with her that I am having a hard time getting my work done because she’s always on my mind!” Sound familiar? Of course we are talking about a mixture of infatuation and love, because it is impossible to love someone without knowing them, but you get the point. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that if someone truly, truly loves God with all of their heart, soul and strength (Dt 6:5; Mk 12:30), they will be constantly thinking of God.
In a similar manner, it makes sense that those who love music during the months of January and February, will be constantly thinking of Trumpet Fest!
Yes, Trumpet Fest. I am elated to announce that Catholic Social Services and Kevin Murray will hold our 10th annual Trumpet Fest Sunday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. at Pius X High School, 6000 A St. in Lincoln.
For those who have attended in the past, know how wonderful and entertaining this is. Our performers this year include, Mac McCune, Kevin Murray, Darryl White, Barb Schmit, Jeff Patton, Debbie Bouffard, Kensey Berggren, Maria Pytlik and many more talented musicians.
Hats will be passed for a free-will offering and the proceeds will benefit needy individuals and families that come to us. Please visit our website, www.cssisus.org and click on the picture to get a taste of what you see.
For those who will be attending, I will see you then, for all others, please pray for its success. St. Francis DeSales, pray for us!
Forty-one years ago, on January 22, 1973, the United States Supreme Court announced its abortion rulings of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. In these companion cases, the Court effectively legalized abortion during all nine months of pregnancy for virtually any reason. The result? More than 55 million unborn human lives ended, countless mothers and fathers, grandparents and siblings wounded, human life at every stage cheapened, and the conscience of our nation dulled.
Blessed Mother Teresa said “Roe vs. Wade has deformed a great nation. The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationships. It has aggravated the derogation of the father’s role in an increasingly fatherless society. It has portrayed the greatest of gifts—a child—as a competitor, an intrusion and an inconvenience.”
Rewind the clock to the late 1960s and a budding new feminist movement working for equal rights between men and women. What if Betty Friedan and her fellow feminists at NOW [National Organization of Women] had followed in the footsteps of the founders of the women’s movement and condemned abortion as an abandonment and degradation of women?
One of those founders, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, said “When we consider that women are treated as property, it is degrading to women that we should treat our children as property to be disposed of as we see fit.” Another founder, Mattie Brinkerhoff, said “When a man steals to satisfy hunger, we may safely conclude that there is something wrong in society—so when a woman destroys the life of her unborn child, it is an evidence that either by education or circumstances she has been greatly wronged.”
Unfortunately, Betty Friedan and her cohorts followed instead the advice of two men, Dr. Bernard Nathanson and Lawrence Lader, who were on a crusade to legalize abortion. In his 1979 book “Aborting America,” Dr. Bernard Nathanson, who became pro-life, said Lader convinced Friedan that if a woman wanted to be educated like a man, hired like a man, and promoted like a man, women shouldn’t expect their employers to accommodate pregnancy.
“We got them to see legal abortion as a civil rights issue, a basic women’s rights issue,” Nathanson explained.
This impoverished reasoning was clearly espoused by Sarah Weddington in her arguments before the Supreme Court representing Norma McCorvey, Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade. Weddington made this argument in favor of legalizing abortion: “There are many schools where a woman is forced to quit if she becomes pregnant. ... In the matter of employment, she often is forced to quit at an early point in her pregnancy. She has no provision for maternity leave.... She cannot get unemployment compensation under our laws, because the laws hold that she is not eligible for employment, being pregnant, and therefore is eligible for no unemployment compensation.”
Serrin Foster, president of Feminists for Life, points out that “Weddington saw the discrimination and other injustices faced by pregnant women. But she did not demand that these injustices be remedied. Instead, she demanded for women the ‘right’ to submit to these injustices by destroying their pregnancies.”
“Weddington repeatedly said that women need ‘relief’ from pregnancy,” Foster added, “instead of arguing that women need relief from these injustices. What if Weddington had used her legal acumen to challenge the system to address women’s needs?”
“In short,” Foster says, “abortion has masked rather than solved the problems women face. Abortion is a reflection that we have not met the needs of women. Clearly, women deserve better.”
The pro-life movement must persistently challenge the lie that abortion helps women and amplify the pro-life feminism espoused by the pioneers of the feminist movement and their authentic successors at Feminists for Life.
“Freeze Frame: A Photographic History of the Winter Olympics”
by Sue Macy.
National Geographic Society, Washington D.C., 2006, 96 pages, Grades 5-7.
The Olympic Games are among the most storied events in sports. Though the Olympics are famous in Greek history, they had died out by the time of the Roman Empire. In 1896, the Olympic Games were reintroduced. The first games were held in Athens and were then scheduled every four years.
At the beginning of the Olympic movement, winter sports were not included. An exception to this rule is figure skating, which is curiously held during the Summer Olympics. After a period of nearly 30 years in Olympic history, a Winter Olympiad was held in 1924. This will be the first Winter Olympics in history.
Sue Macy tells the story of the Winter Olympics in her excellent book entitled. “Freeze Frame: A Photographic History of the Winter Olympics.” In this excellently written and photographed book, readers are treated to many of the great champions of the Winter Olympics.
In the early Olympics, many unusual events took place. The first serious problem of the Winter Olympics was the weather. The temperature would sometimes rise and the snow and ice would melt. Needless to say, this put an end to skiing and skating competitions. This problem was solved many years later with the invention of indoor ice rinks and artificial snow machines. Now Mother Nature would not have the final say on when Olympic events would be held.
Because the sports in the Winter Olympics require cold weather, the number of nations entering the Olympics is small in comparison to the Summer Olympics - usually only 25% as large as the Summer Olympics. This does not mean, however, that the Winter Olympics does not have an avid following.
Macy details many Olympic champions in this book. There are a number of pictures of Sonja Henie, the famous Norwegian figure skater, and winner of three gold medals in the Winter Olympics. Snow skiing is also a very famous part of the Winter Olympics, and readers are treated to descriptions of famous skiing champions such as Jean Claude Killy, the winner of three gold medals in the 1968 Winter Olympics.
Some of the controversies that have dogged the Winter Olympics are also discussed. This primarily concerns the judging of figure skating events. It was not unusual to see judges rating the skaters from their own nations with higher scores than they should have earned. It became so blatant in several Olympics, that the scoring system was eventually modified and made more objective.
There still is controversy in this matter, however. Macy also discusses the celebrated case of Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan. Thugs hired by Harding’s husband attacked Kerrigan several weeks before the Olympic Games. Fortunately, Kerrigan was able to recover and compete. It was later determined that Harding’s group was behind the attack and Harding was banned from the sport of figure skating.
The book closes with a discussion of a number of the sports that have been included in the Olympics, such as snowboarding and short track speed skating.
This is an excellent book for students wanting to learn about the Winter Olympics. The author has written excellent accounts of most of the Winter Olympics. She has included short excerpts of many Olympic champions.
I would like to proudly state that I taught history to Bonnie Blair at Centennial High School in Champaign, Ill. Bonnie won five speed skating gold medals and one bronze in three Winter Olympics. She is a great person. Not that I am bragging, of course.
I would encourage you to share this book with the younger members of your family. It is a great introduction to the marvelous athletic events of the Winter Olympics. I think you will enjoy this book as much as I have.
Will greater emphasis and reliance on integrated delivery, care coordination, innovation, private-sector insurance, patient-centered medical homes, personal responsibility, prevention and wellness, and a cancel-that opt-out if the federal pledge changes, be enough to “WIN” at least 30 legislator votes for an alternative approach to Medicaid expansion in Nebraska?
Proponents of exercising the Obamacare option, and taking advantage of its funding to create access to health-care coverage for some 54,000 impoverished adults who cannot qualify now for either regular Medicaid or marketplace subsidies, are hoping so and working at it.
Wellness In Nebraska—WIN—is the tag created for the new plan. The compilation of ideas is in LB 887, which was introduced on the fifth day of the new Unicameral session by the chairperson of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee, Sen. Kathy Campbell from Lincoln. She has eight co-sponsors so far: Senators Danielle Conrad, Tanya Cook, Sue Crawford, Ken Haar, Sara Howard, Amanda McGill, Jeremy Nordquist and Norm Wallman.
An initial reading of the WIN bill indicates it has four components for creating health-care coverage for currently ineligible individuals of ages 19 through 64, whose household income is between zero and 133 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. A reason this is regarded as an alternative is it would still leverage the federal funding pledged by Obamacare: 100 percent funding for the new eligibility in Fiscal Years 2014 through 2016; 95 percent for FY2017; 94 percent for FY18; 93 percent for FY19 and 90 percent for FY2020 and thereafter.
For those with income between 100 and 133 percent of FPL, there would be WIN Marketplace Coverage, dedicated to enrollee participation in the private Marketplace for Qualified Health Plans with premium assistance paid by the federal dollars. For those with income between zero and 99 percent of FPL, there would be WIN Medicaid Coverage, with participation in managed care, including primary-care enrollment, patient-centered medical homes, integrated-care, health assessments, preventive care and incentives for personal responsibility, wellness and healthy behavior. Such aspects might attract support from otherwise skeptical or reluctant legislators.
For any newly eligible with access to employer-sponsored health insurance, there would be the WIN Employer-Sponsored Insurance Private Premium Plan; if cost effective, the state would pay the employee-share using the federal dollars.
The fourth component would be for any newly eligible whose medical condition fits a category aptly described as the WIN Medically Frail and Exceptional Medical Needs. This would use a patient-centered medical home and coordinated chronic-care management.
There are other aspects as well. If the federal funding drops below the pledged minimum of 90 percent, that would trigger legislative authority to halt the program. Also, newly eligible with household incomes above 50 percent FPL would be required to make a two-per-cent-of-income monthly contribution, but it could be waived by fulfillment of wellness responsibilities. Also, the Legislature would have a WIN Oversight Committee to guide the process.
Senator Campbell’s committee will hold a public hearing on LB 887 Jan. 29. Subsequent to that, it is likely the bill will be advanced to the full Legislature. Then the outlook becomes much more uncertain. The Governor hasn’t signaled that the alternative softens his adamant opposition to trusting the federal pledge on funding. Although not directly on point with LB 887, his State-of-the-State address included this statement: “We have researched and studied the Medicaid expansion issue carefully, thoughtfully and methodically. The responsible choice is to reject this optional Medicaid expansion.”
There are more than a few legislators who agree with the Governor, some of whom have political motivations on top of philosophical and policy concerns. If they are strongly enough motivated to carry on a filibuster, LB 887 would need 33 votes to invoke cloture for a vote on advancement to the second stage of floor debate. Even the absence of a filibuster and ultimate passage of the bill with 25 votes would still leave the likelihood of a gubernatorial veto. An override would need 30 votes from among the 49 legislators.
A WIN won’t come easily.
On another legislative matter: Senator Ernie Chambers has introduced LB 675, which would terminate the traditional, longstanding exemption from taxation afforded by law to property that is both owned by a religious organization and used for religious purposes.
As a practical consideration, determining valuations for churches would cause an inappropriate, unwarranted governmental intrusion into and entanglement with religion.
But there is more to this longstanding policy as well.
Senator Chambers exclaims that religious organizations and religious people are called to “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.” They do, of course; if not in strict monetary terms then in the alternative of the substantial and significant contributions they make to the betterment of society, of family lives and of individual lives. Parishes and congregations are voluntary associations of citizens who assemble in and on church property for unity, support and humanitarian purposes as well as worship. But even more, churches help to affirm meaning in life and generate hope. Caesar benefits from the great value of that rendering unto God.
“Dad, what do you want for Christmas?” I would ask as a youngster. “Peace!” he would say. The same question was asked by many family members over the world before last Christmas, but for some, the answers were different and very edifying. The following are some examples.
“Dear Father Kubat, I am touched by all the good things you do, the people you all help and the love of God you pass on filled with hope. My husband, children and myself would like to forgo material gifts this year and help you help others instead. I know this is still not much but I’m sure you and CSS will use it and stretch it far. God bless you and all the volunteers at CSS. Give thanks to the Lord for he is great! His mercy endures forever!” Enclosed with this note was a nice check we used to help a needy family.
Around the same time, we received another beautiful card with these words, “Dear Father Kubat, when our family talked about what they would like at Christmas, we all agreed that you could put our funds and wishes to much better use at CSS than we ever could. Therefore, please accept the enclosed check … and include our family in your prayers. Thank you for all you do for the poor and needy … God bless you all!” With these funds, we were able to help another needy family.
Then came this note we received from a young woman: “Dear CSS, you will find enclosed $65 in cash. I work as a barista at a coffee shop … and as part of my Advent sacrifice, I decided to donate 50% of my tips from my shifts. I would like the money to serve whatever purpose necessary during the Christmas season.” She signed it, “Love in Christ.” I was amazed that a young woman would donate half of her tips during the Advent Season. I knew this was a sacrificial gift. Once again, we used it to help someone in need.
This happens every year and when I receive cards and letters such as these, I am always edified and moved. The light of charity that burns brightly in the hearts of the faithful is what moves them to donate to Catholic Social Services and St. Gianna Women’s Homes. People who donate to us know we will use the funds to help with emergency services, rent, utilities, food, clothing, vehicles, furniture, appliances, house hold items, grants for counseling services for those who are un-insured or under-insured (to name a few).
I not only would like to thank the above donors who remain anonymous but the countless other benefactors who donated their time, talent, material items and cash to Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, for without your love we would not have been able to help those in need and will not be able to help the many individuals and families that will come to us in crisis. You have helped us give peace to countless people over the Christmas season – and are helping us give this peace to many going forward.
Please know that we at Catholic Social Services and St. Gianna Women’s Homes will keep you, your families and intentions in our prayers – never forget that we pray for you on a daily basis.
“The Ice Skater: A Young Enthusiast’s Guide to Ice Skating”
by Peter Morrissey.
DK Publishing, Inc., New York, 1998, 37 pages, Grades 4-6.
Ice skating is one of the most beautiful and exciting winter sports. Skaters will glide across the glistening ice and then suddenly soar into the air before completing a graceful landing. It is a sport of both great strength, endurance and gracefulness. While both men and women perform in these elegant competitions, the Ladies Final always seems to hold the most appeal. There is something magical about these women spinning and landing difficult jumps. Peter Morrissey has written an excellent introduction to the sport in the book entitled “The Ice Skater: A Young Enthusiast’s Guide to Ice Skating.”
The book begins with the foreword written by six-time United States figure skating Todd Eldredge. Included are some photos of Todd’s beautiful skating moves. This is followed by an interesting history of ice skating. Here we see early Viking boot skates and Queen Victoria’s delicately crafted skates. At the bottom of the page is a picture of Sonja Henie, the most famous woman in ice skating history, performing one of her legendary jumps.
Morrissey then shows a young girl and boy getting ready to skate. All the equipment and terminology needed in ice skating is carefully explained. The author pays particular attention to the importance of having the proper ice skates and a knowledge of how to lace them properly. The laces must be snug, but not tight. If they are too tight, the laces will actually make the skater’s feet and ankles hurt.
Since ice skating is a demanding sport, readers will next see the skaters warming up before getting onto the ice. Among others, they practice deep knee bends, stretching exercises and side rotations. As well, some skaters jump rope before getting on the ice.
Now thoroughly warmed up, the athletes begin skating forward practicing foot crossovers and stops. Morrissey states again and again the need to wear warm clothes and gloves. Because, as the saying goes, what goes up can come down. When young skaters fall, gloves will protect their hands from cuts.
The next part of the book is dedicated to skating backward. This is the most difficult type of ice skating but the most helpful to begin making ice-skating jumps. While many casual skaters are terrified about skating backward, competitors know it is the easiest way to build up the speed necessary for the famous jumps such as the Toe Loop, Lutz and Salchow.
The most acclaimed jump of all, the Axel, is not mentioned in the book. It is a dangerous jump and needs proper coaching to complete. Morrissey prudently leaves this out of the book, lest young skaters attempt it without the necessary instruction.
This section is followed by a series of stunning photographs of Olympic champions performing the incredible one-handed overhead lift and the spectacular death spiral. Morrissey concludes the book by discussing other forms of ice skating such as speed skating and hockey.
This is a delightful book to learn about the many wonders of ice skating. The photographs show young skaters learning the basic moves and positions of the sport and Olympic champions performing incredible lifts and jumps in competition.
While this book can be read together with your younger family members, it is equally enjoyable and beneficial for individual reading. With the Winter Olympics arriving in less than a month, Morrissey’s book can prove to be a helpful introduction to students wanting to learn about this fascinating and beautiful sport. Enjoy!
For more than thirty years, the Knights of Columbus in Nebraska has sponsored an annual fundraising project known as One Rose One Life (OROL). Conducted on or around the anniversary of Roe v Wade (Jan. 22), this project takes its name from the paper roses that were handed out by the Knights as part of this project.
Several years ago, the Knights replaced the paper roses with a prayer card. In addition to a pro-life prayer, this prayer card features a winning poster from the Knights-sponsored pro-life art contest for students in kindergarten through the eighth grade.
According to the Knights, an impressive 94 percent of all the funds raised from OROL go to support various pro-life organizations and projects in Nebraska. My office, from its inception 23 years ago, is a major beneficiary of these funds. And, in the last six years, more than 50 other pro-life organizations, events and initiatives throughout Nebraska have received funding from OROL.
These recipients include numerous pregnancy-help centers, Lincoln Right to Life, MavCatholics Students for Life (Univ. of Nebr. at Omaha), Pope Paul VI Institute, McCook Right to Life, Thomas More Society, Pro Life Billboards throughout Nebraska and the Virtue Media pro-life television ad campaign.
In addition, the Knights provide significant funding each year to help underwrite the cost for students going to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. And the Knights have recently funded the purchase of 4-D ultrasound machines for pregnancy-help centers in North Platte, Kearney, Grand Island and Omaha. The positive results of these new machines are extraordinary.
According to the Collage Center (Kearney and Grand Island), many lives have been saved because of the ultrasound machine. In fact, the Center has found that 90 percent of abortion-prone women who have an ultrasound decide against abortion.
There are no formal pro-life collections conducted by the Church. Consequently, the Knights’ OROL project provides an excellent opportunity to donate to not only the Church’s pro-life efforts, but many pro-life efforts outside the Church as well.
There are two ways that Catholics can give. First and foremost, those who attend Mass at a parish where a Knights of Columbus council is present should have an opportunity to donate at Masses on or around the 18th and 19th of January. Check with your parish KC Council for the exact dates when they will be conducting One Rose One Life.
If your parish does not have a Knights Council, it can still participate by requesting and distributing donation envelopes and prayer cards in the parish. Envelopes and prayer cards can be obtained from Bob and Anita Finger, the state Culture of Life Chaircouple for the Knights, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 402-953-7181.
A second way to donate to One Rose One Life is to simply write a check payable to: Knights of Columbus Culture of Life Foundation of Nebraska and send it to: Knights of Columbus, One Rose One Life Campaign, PO Box 451157, Omaha, NE 68145. Please put One Rose, One Life on the memo line. The Knights of Columbus Culture of Life Foundation of Nebraska is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
On behalf of the many pro-life organizations and projects that have and will receive funding from the Knights of Columbus, I extend our profound gratitude to the Knights for their extraordinary generosity and commitment to the pro-life cause. And I encourage everyone to be as generous as possible toward One Rose One Life.
One of the traditional mental exercises that accompany the start of a new year is that of making New Year’s resolutions. As Christians, it is hoped—if not expected—that among such resolutions are some new, or renewed, spiritual pledges to help us to become better Christians.
The final promise in the traditional Act of Contrition that Catholics use when receiving the Sacrament of Penance states: I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. What terrific spiritual pledges! With firm resolve the penitent makes a promise to God, first, to confess his sins, which for Catholics means going to Confession regularly; second, to do penance, which means living sacrificially; and finally, to amend his life, which means that authentic conversion is in the works.
In effect, when we pray this Act of Contrition prayer seriously, we commit to an action plan that deepens our humility as we admit our sinfulness, strengthens our spirituality as we make sacrifices, and bolsters our character as we plan to improve ourselves morally. These are all great goals, but they are predicated on the fact that we actually know what sin is, that we appreciate the essence of authentic sacrifice and that we know what growth in holiness looks like. This is where faith formation resources are indispensable. They provide us with the essential information we need in order to be genuinely “in formation”—that is, growing in our faith.
Fortunately, there are a wide variety of quality resources available to us in the area of faith formation. The accessibility of great Catholic books, CDs, movies and online resources continues to expand day by day. Even those who had little education in the faith while growing up can access a plethora of dynamic, user-friendly sources of true Catholic teaching with a few mouse-clicks on trusted internet sites. Parishes and diocesan offices also have offerings intended to form their members in the faith, such as classes, retreats and conferences, and those may also include offering Sacraments and devotions, which are part and parcel to faith formation as well.
For basic information in the form of indexed teachings of the Church, Catholic Answers has a very comprehensive website: www.catholic.org. The web address is even quite easy to remember! Visitors can search for answers regarding virtually any topic and can also read current news stories from around the globe pertaining to the Catholic Church.
There are also websites that offer free online talks or courses on a variety of faith topics. For example, the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, founded by Dr. Scott Hahn, provides a wide range of studies focused on Scripture (naturally!). Go to: www.SalvationHistory.com. Ascension Press has a website with very simple 10-minute (per day) bible studies. Go to: www.BibleStudyForCatholics.com. For easy-to-digest daily readings from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, go to: www.flocknote.com/catechism. For a full classical arts curriculum, one can visit this site: www.InstituteofCatholicCulture.org.
If we have not done so already, we should make a New Year’s resolution to grow in our faith. Then we need to get to our parishes and to our computers to fulfill this pledge we made to ourselves and to our God. In time, we will most certainly be glad we did, because formation in the faith is so very necessary to all who call themselves disciples of Jesus. Now let’s get to work!
The most radical and unique aspect of our Catholic faith is that we are called not only no love our neighbors as ourselves, but our enemies, as well. This is only possible with the grace of God, which we get from the Sacraments.
I just finished a book entitled, “Edmund Campion, A Life,” by Evelyn Waugh, who was a convert to the Catholic faith. In 1936 he received the Hawthornden Prize for this masterpiece. St. Edmund was a highly educated man and scholar in 16th century England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, when the practice of the Catholic faith was against the law. Priests and Catholics who harbored priests were arrested, tortured and executed in horrific ways.
St. Edmund was born in a Catholic family, but fell away and was on a trajectory to go far. He was a favorite of the queen after she heard one of his lectures at Oxford.
After a conversion to the faith, he spent some time at the seminary in Douai, France and then in Rome for the Jesuits. After his ordination to the priesthood and time in Bohemia, he and a small group of priests snuck into England and ministered to the Catholics in secret.
Always on the run and frequently never staying more than one night in any place, for spies abounded, he was eventually arrested, tortured and put to death. He was hung, his body mutilated, and finally he was disemboweled.
As with other executions, spectators were allowed to gather close to the condemned. Standing near out of curiosity was an ex-Catholic lawyer named Henry Walpole, who in some ways was living the life of Edmund Campion before his conversion.
St. Henry was a Cambridge man who had previously heard Edmund speak. He heard Father Campion express his loyalty to the queen in temporal matters as he forgave and prayed for her just prior to the noose being slipped around his neck. As the executioner later tore out his intestines, a drop of blood flew onto Henry’s coat, whereupon he instantly converted back to the Catholic faith. He immediately left England, entered the seminary for the Jesuits, was ordained a priest, and 13 years later, died the same death as Father Campion as he loved and forgave is enemies. Both are canonized saints and examples to us all in the love of God, neighbors and our enemies.
If one drop of Father Campion’s blood had this effect on someone, imagine the effect one Holy Communion can have on someone who receives Jesus in the Eucharist at Mass when properly disposed. I see this on a daily basis in that the sacrificial monetary and material donations given to CSS by our donors are given for only one reason, for the love of God who is present in our neighbor.
May 2014 be a year where we all grow closer to God by our love and concern for the spiritual, psychological and material well-being of neighbors. Saints Campion and Walpole, pray for us!
As the second regular session of the 103rd Nebraska Legislature unfolds at the State Capitol in Lincoln over the next 13 weeks, multi-dimensional aspects of the law-making process will be on display. It is an institution that brings together unique personalities and varied motivations. It addresses public-policy issues of varying degrees of significance and impact.
The new session began Jan. 8. This one is a “short session,” scheduled to operate over 60 legislative days, following the 90-day first session in 2013. Adjournment sine die is currently scheduled for April 17.
On that last day, as per custom, ceremonies will be conducted to honor legislators known to not be returning the next year. The number so recognized will be at least 17. That’s the number of current legislators who face the impact of term limits. It is generally the Class of 2006. The number includes the Speaker of the Legislature, the Chairman of the Executive Board and seven chairpersons of standing committees.
Another interesting twist is that five of the 49 legislators already have announced their candidacies for statewide elective office. Senators Beau McCoy, Charlie Janssen and Tom Carlson are announced candidates for Governor (Senator Annette Dubas initially did the same, but has since ended the quest), while Senators Pete Pirsch and Amanda McGill are announced candidates for State Auditor. These legislators will be dedicated to their responsibilities, but cannot help but be somewhat preoccupied by their campaigns
The Legislature also began its new session with one new member. In mid-December, the Governor appointed Tommy Garrett of Bellevue to represent District 3, replacing Scott Price, who resigned during the interim between sessions.
As the second of a Legislature’s two regular sessions, this is the segment when legislators “hit the floor running,” because legislative bills that were not finished last year carried over to this year. Approximately 400 bills are in this category, including a few issue-substantive resolutions, e.g., proposing constitutional amendments. Of the total, approximately 70 measures started the session on General File, the first stage of floor debate for the full body of legislators.
During the first three days of this new session—Wednesday through Friday of the week just ended—the legislators met for short periods in the mornings, for the almost-exclusive purpose of introducing new bills; bills with 2014 dates, which add to the carry-over bills. With limited exceptions, new bills have to be introduced during the first 10 working days of a new session. The last day for bill-introductions is scheduled for Jan. 22.
Full-day meetings focused on floor debate on the carried-over General File bills start Jan. 13. On Jan. 21, the floor sessions will begin to happen only in the mornings, while afternoons will be dedicated to public hearings on new bills in front of committees. This will be the process through the end of February. Full-day floor sessions will resume March 4.
As the session opened, it appeared that the urgency and priority of reforming the overall tax system and of substantively changing the formula for distributing state aid to public school districts had waned some. Committee studies are urging more deliberation. There will be ideas and issues relating to these topics, but probably not anything that will shake foundations and make lobbyists frightful, as it once appeared might happen.
Efforts to address prison overcrowding and to achieve an alternative to mere Medicaid expansion for making health care coverage accessible for Nebraska adults who do not qualify for subsidized coverage in the federal marketplace are likely to be undertaken.
Attention will no doubt be given to legislation relating to agriculture and energy and environment issues. The FY 2013-2015 budget will get a review and some adjustments.
There are those both inside and outside the Legislature who want to “modernize” the definition of family and/or change the definition or recognition of marriage by repealing or modifying Article I, Section 29 of the State Constitution (the Marriage Amendment) and/or add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as categories explicitly mentioned in anti-discrimination statutes. The level of resistance to these ideas will determine the outcomes.
It is important for Catholic Nebraskans to stay informed about the public-policy debates and decisions that will be taking place at the State Capitol. An excellent starter source is the Legislature’s website, www.nebraskalegislature.gov. Also, there’s Unicameral Update, which is available both online and in hard copy.
For the 38th consecutive year, we’ll be using the space graciously provided by the diocesan newspapers to update and comment on issues of interest and concern for the Nebraska Catholic Conference, which is the public-policy office operated jointly and cooperatively by the three dioceses covering the state, under the direction of the diocesan bishops. Information and action alerts will be available on the NCC website: www.nebcathcon.org.
And finally….
Nebraska First District Congressman Jeff Fortenberry distributed a nice Fort Report recently, conveying his thoughts and feelings about attending the Army-Navy football game. It was an interesting, inspiring piece, which can be accessed at the Congressman’s website. It brought to mind a really good book of several years back: “A Civil War: Army Versus Navy” by acclaimed sports author John Feinstein.
Recently I received an e-mail message entitled “Praying for you.” It was from Tom Grenchik, the Executive Director of the U.S. Bishops’ Pro Life Office. He was announcing that his office staff would begin praying a Divine Mercy Chaplet every week at 3 p.m. (EST) and offering a monthly Mass on the third Thursday of each month for those of us who do pro-life work at the diocesan and parish level.
Mr. Grenchik began his e-mail with this wonderful reminder of the importance of prayer from the USCCB Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities:
“Prayer is the foundation of all that we do in defense of human life. Our efforts—whether educational, pastoral, or legislative—will be less than fully fruitful if we do not change hearts and if we do not ourselves overcome our own spiritual blindness. Only with prayer—prayer that storms the heavens for justice and mercy, prayer that cleanses our hearts and our souls—will the culture of death that surrounds us today be replaced with a culture of life.”
As we labor day after day in the work of building a civilization of life and love, it is so easy to forget the importance—and efficacy—of prayer. Our human tendency is to overinflate our human efforts and to underestimate God’s supernatural efforts. But as the previous quote reminds us, “only with prayer… will the culture of death that surrounds us today be replaced with a culture of life.”
Anyone who has seriously engaged the culture of death knows that this admonition about the importance of prayer is true. In the pro-life battle there are constant reminders of the limitations of our human efforts and the need for God’s grace.
The offer of regular prayers for our pro-life efforts from Mr. Grenchik and his staff is a beautiful gift—and one of those reminders that prayer must be at the foundation of all our efforts. Mr. Grenchik encourages us to join our prayers with those of his staff asking this intention: “May our hearts and souls be cleansed and may God help us to remain faithful to the task of building up a culture that welcomes and protects life.”
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is offering another opportunity to offer prayers for the pro-life cause on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade January 22, 2014. From Jan. 18-26, the USCCB is sponsoring Nine Days of Prayer, Penance and Pilgrimage in prayerful recognition of the more than 55 million children’s lives lost to abortion and the millions of parents whose lives have been shattered.
Catholics across the country are invited to participate in this nine-day period of Prayer, Penance and Pilgrimage for the healing and conversion of our nation and people impacted by the culture of death. The USCCB has produced some excellent prayer, programmatic, and promotional resources to encourage participation in this nationwide prayer effort.
According to the USCCB, the centerpiece of this prayer effort is a simple, youth-friendly novena with different intercessions, brief reflections and suggested acts of reparation that can be received directly each day by email, text message or through a new mobile application for smartphones (soon to be made available for both Android and iOS phones). Information about subscribing through any of these means is available on the 9daysforlife.com website.
In addition to the novena, the prayer resources include a Holy Hour for Reparation and Healing, a Blessing of Pro Life Pilgrims, and Pro Life Rosary Prayer Intentions. These resources can be accessed at www.9daysforlife.com (under “Resources for Leaders”) or by calling my office.
No matter what one’s limitations are in life, each of us is capable of offering prayers and penance for success in the effort to build a civilization of life and love. Please use these opportunities (and helpful resources) to commit yourself to this important and efficacious work.
“Iditarod Country” by Tricia Brown; photography by Jeff Schultz.
Epicenter Press, Alaska, 1998, 64 pages, Grades 5-7.
When the snow begins piling up, travel becomes very difficult. In the lower 48 states, paved roads take people most places they want to go. While winter sports such as skiing require mountains, other sports such as dog sledding only require snow and can be done in most northern states. Dog sledding, or “mushing” as it is sometimes called, has become somewhat famous in recent years due to a grueling race named the Iditarod.
Situated in Alaska, the Iditarod is easily the most famous dog race in the world. Started in the early 1970s, the Iditarod recalls the magnificent journey of mushers (sled drivers) in 1925 to bring vital diphtheria serum to the town of Nome.
A savage outbreak of diphtheria was killing numerous children and adults during the winter of 1925 in Nome. The only supply of serum was in Anchorage. The few airplanes available in Alaska were being repaired and unable to fly the brutal 1,000 or so miles to the besieged city. The governor ordered a relief expedition and a train carried the serum for part of the 1,000 miles.
With no railway left, teams of courageous mushers then wrapped up the serum and took the precious medicine over mountains, frozen rivers, ice packed lakes and through brutal winds. A few days later, they delivered the serum and saved the city. It is one of the most remarkable events in Alaskan history.
The Iditarod Race is a recreation of this historic event, minus the diphtheria epidemic of course. Tricia Brown and Jeff Schultz have given readers a distinct feel for the race in this comprehensive book, “Iditarod Country.”
Dozens of dog sled teams line up in Anchorage, to begin the frozen 1,100-mile trek to the city of Nome. The dogs are eager and jump about in the harnesses. Most people are bundled up in layers of clothes and warm hats. Some of the mushers themselves have fur hats that resemble those of mountain men in the early 1800s.
The race begins with a countdown and then the dog teams lunge forward. The trail leads all the dog teams through rural Alaska and past rest areas. At these rest areas, sometimes only a cabin and a barn, the dogs and mushers can rest. The people living along the trail will frequently have large spaghetti dinners for the mushers, and will sometimes cook Thanksgiving meals for the participants.
The further the teams go into the hinterland, the bleaker and more brutal are the weather conditions. Hundreds of miles from nowhere, the mushers and their dog teams can get into serious trouble. If the dogs get hurt, drivers can leave them at way stations to be flown to veterinarian hospitals. Mushers can also be assisted if they are injured. Whereas the dog teams usually start with about 16 dogs, it is not unusual to finish with only eight.
Finally, Nome is close and the dog teams make a dash for the finish line. The city erupts as the teams cross the finish line.
The pictures and text in the book give readers a real sense of the Iditarod. We see all the Alaskan people at the way stations helping the sled teams throughout their journey. Brown accurately describes the pride that Alaskan people of all ethnic groups take in the race. This is an excellent book for middle school students to learn about Alaskan geography and the sport of dog sledding. I enjoyed the book and think your children will as well. Wrap up; it is cold out there!
I recently received a phone call from a woman who is suffering from a chronic illness and the sequela associated with it. She is a remarkable woman whom I have known for years. She is in love with her Catholic faith and has a strong devotion to the Holy Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. I can confidently say she is not a complainer.
During a recent visit at her home, she handed me an envelope stuffed with cash and informed me she had been saving up for a rainy day and wanted me to have some of it for someone less fortunate. I knew she loved God but this was a confirmation of her love, for God is love and the evidence of our love of God is our love of neighbor, and the evidence of our love of neighbor is our sacrifices for them (see the first letter of John). Remember the parable of the rich man whose name is unknown and the poor man named Lazarus in chapter 16 in Luke’s gospel?
Soon after our visit, I found myself in front of another Catholic grandmother and mother. Tears were streaming down her cheek for she was facing an eviction from her rental house. She had nowhere to turn. Her husband was unemployed and she was looking feverishly for a job. I remember thinking St. Joseph the Worker would help find employment, and the money in the envelope was about the same amount she needed for the back rent. Soon I was on the phone with the woman who made the donation and asked, “Do you know what you just did? You just helped a family stay in their home with your donation.” She was moved and quite pleased.
In my ten years at CSS, I have found that fundraising is easier when those who donate know where their money is going. Whether it is assistance with rent, utilities, or other emergency services, food, furniture, clothing, cars, disaster relief, help with grants for counseling services for families and individuals young and old, we assist those across the 24,000 square miles that is the diocese of Lincoln. Now in our 82nd year, we are helping almost 30,000 people yearly from the Platte River north to the Kansas border south, from the Iowa and Missouri borders east to the Colorado border west, because of the help of our loving donors like the lady mentioned above. Your help is vital because nearly all the funds that come to us are from private individuals.
My prayer is that you, your family and friends have a blessed and holy 2014. Please know that we at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska pray for you daily, especially in our six chapels.
I am happy to announce that we have highlighted our six chapels in our first ever calendar. If you would like us to send you one, please send me an email to my address listed here by my name.
May we all grow closer to our Eucharistic King, Jesus Christ our Lord, High Priest, Savior and King. Happy New Year!
One of the questions I am often asked is “what can I do to help the pro-life cause?” Usually, those who ask this question are looking for some concrete form of activism they can embrace to fight abortion. Although I try to provide such concrete suggestions, I also challenge them to look at how they are living out their own vocation.
The deepest root of the culture of death is alienation from God, Pope John Paul II tells us in Evangelium Vitae (EV). This means that the most important pro-life activity, whether we are clergy or laity, single or married, is to grow in our relationship with our Lord and to help others do the same. The depth of our understanding and regard for the purpose and dignity of human life is in direct proportion to the depth of our understanding and regard for the God in Whose image and likeness human life was made.
In the shadows of the Feast of the Holy Family, I focus here on the particular role of the family in building a culture of life. John Paul II said in EV (#92) that the family is truly “the sanctuary of life: the place in which life—the gift of God—can be properly welcomed and protected against the many attacks to which it is exposed and can develop in accordance with what constitutes authentic human growth. Consequently, the role of the family in building a culture of life is decisive and irreplaceable.”
So one of the most critical contributions we can make to the pro-life cause is to work at forming and promoting healthy and holy marriages and families. Holy marriages are the foundation to forming “domestic churches” within which the family is formed and “summoned to proclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of Life” (EV #92).
Married couples are “called to be givers of life…In giving origin to a new life, parents recognize that the child, ‘as the fruit of their mutual gift of love, is in turn a gift for both of them, a gift which flows from them.’” But John Paul II says that it “is above all in raising children that the family fulfills its mission to proclaim the Gospel of life.”
“By word and example, in the daily round of relations and choices, and through concrete actions and signs, parents lead their children to authentic freedom, actualized in the sincere gift of self, and they cultivate in them respect for others, a sense of justice, cordial openness, dialogue, generous service, solidarity…In raising children, Christian parents must be concerned about their children’s faith and help them to fulfill the vocation God has given them” (EV #92).
Therefore, in addition to working for holy marriages, parents can make a significant contribution to a culture of life by raising virtuous children who know and love our Lord in an intimate way. Virtuous and faith-filled children will have a healthier understanding of the dignity of human life and its meaning.
John Paul II also urges families to give special attention to the elderly by forming a “sort of ‘covenant’ between the generations, in fidelity to the divine commandment to honor one’s father and mother. In this way parents in their later years can receive from their children the acceptance and solidarity which they themselves gave to their children when they brought them into the world.”
“But there is more,” John Paul says. “The elderly are not only to be considered the object of our concern, closeness and service. They themselves have a valuable contribution to make to the Gospel of life. Thanks to the rich treasury of experiences they have acquired through the years, the elderly can and must be sources of wisdom and witnesses of hope and love.”
To be certain, forming holy marriages and families takes much prayer, sacrifice and effort. The Holy Family provides a model and source of strength for all Christian families. A custom in my family is to end the prayer before meals with this prayer: “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, help us to be a holy family.” As we ask the Holy Family for help we should take solace in the fact that the Holy Family experienced and understands all the struggles of family life.
As many around us have stopped celebrating Christmas, we Catholics are still in the midst of our Christmas celebration which lasts until January 12- the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Jesus by St. John the Baptist in the Jordan River.
It has been a wonderful Advent and Christmas here at Catholic Social Services. On Monday, December 23, we celebrated our annual Toy store at the St. Joseph Center in Lincoln.
As parents stood in line waiting to pick out toys for their children, I did my best to hand out candy and cookies and even took some of them into the chapel after asking, “Want to see our newly decorated chapel?” All who entered were surprised by the beauty of the chapel, the nativity set and flowers. While inside I prayed aloud for them and their families. I am sure by the reaction of some, it was the first time they ever darkened a door of a church or chapel.
One of the volunteers told me as a little boy, his mother received toys for him at the Catholic Social Services Toy Store. He was here as a way to “give back.” Another said he was here because Curt Krueger, our director of social services of the eastern sector of the diocese was his “BoysTown dad.” After my prayer with our volunteers before the toy store opened, Curt pointed out that the toys were just instruments or tools we were using to love those who were coming for help.
Then on Christmas Eve, a middle-aged man came in with a woman who appeared to be in her twenties. I thought at first he was her father. He was just doing her a favor by giving her a ride to CSS for her food pantry. I could tell by the age and condition of his truck and his appearance he, too, was in need. While praying in the chapel, I noticed he made the sign of the cross. He explained how he grew up Catholic. How easy it is for some to fall away. As we prepared to take the food to his truck, I asked him if he received anything. After replying, “No,” I slipped him a $50 gift card to a local grocery store someone had just slipped me. Immediately after exclaiming, “Wow!” His elderly dad called him on his cell phone. I remember wondering how old his father must be… “Hi dad …. I’m giving a young woman a ride to CSS for some food, and a nice man gave me a $50 gift card!!” They both drove off happy.
I would like to thank everyone who helped assist the many individuals and families that came to us. Because of the generosity of our donors, around 3,000 needy children received toys this Christmas in conjunction with our multiple Christmas programs across the diocese. Thank you for helping them have a merry and blessed Christmas!
Human beings are communal creatures by their very nature. God made them so for a reason. His intention from the beginning was that marriage and the family would be a worldly reflection of the community of life and love that is characteristic of the Holy Trinity. Given that everybody is meant to be born into a family, the communal dimension of personhood is naturally provided for, at least in theory. When that aspect is missing, nearly everything goes awry.
Recent reports indicate that more than half of the children born in our country do not begin their lives with the benefit of a mom and dad who are married to one another. This situation wreaks havoc on the elemental need of human creatures to grow up in a community of life and love that we call a family. Sadly, the very definitions of marriage and family are under assault by liberal-minded factions of our society who have little, if any, understanding of the irreparable damage done to a civilization when its most basic structure and foundation is redefined. The consequences of such societal erosion are no longer only evident in far-away places. They affect us all, and oftentimes the harm done is experienced within our own homes.
An insight we need to accept and share is that what the Church proclaims regarding marriage and the family is a saving remedy for the world in which we live. The truths revealed by God in their fullness through Jesus Christ call for valiant efforts to protect and preserve these very structures that are crumbling right before our eyes. The establishment of marriage as one man being joined to one woman for the purpose of creating a family together is rooted in God’s revealed wisdom about humanity. Recent court cases about protecting the practice of polygamy or about declaring the “personhood” of chimpanzees indicate how far astray we have gone from reflecting God’s communion of life and love in our human relationships that make up a family.
But not all is lost. The genealogy of Jesus Himself, proclaimed in one of the Christmas liturgies, was itself littered with familial irregularities. The primary message of Christmas is that we have been redeemed. No matter what our personal background, no matter how messed up our family life was or is, no matter how far we have drifted from reflecting God’s love in our own relationships, we have been saved by a Father’s love made manifest by the power of His Spirit in the wondrous birth of His Son. The original community of love, the Holy Trinity, strengthens each and every communion of love here on earth, if only we allow it. And we have the flawless unity of the Holy Family as a reminder of what true love should look like in our own homes.
The Sacraments of the Church provide divine power and grace capable of repairing and restoring broken or strained relationships. The sadness and anxiety that many experience during the holidays can be mitigated by the worthy reception of Confession and Communion—Sacraments of love that bring us into more intimate union with our Lord, and ultimately with one another.
May this Christmas season be a time during which we understand and appreciate more fully the true meaning of love between persons that sustains genuine communities of love, which we call families. Such divinely inspired structures are the basis of the parish family and also of the broader community, and they help to provide us with the peace and harmony we all desire and deserve to enjoy throughout this life, and into the next.
“Christmas in the Trenches”
by John McCutcheon, illustrated by Henri Sorensen.
Peachtree Publishers, Atlanta, 2006, 32 pages, Grades 1-3.
Nations usually declare war when there is no hope for negotiating peace.
When war is declared, patriotism normally rises to fevered heights. A common refrain is “the troops will be home by Christmas.” Governments tell their people that the war will be short and that they will be triumph.
When World War I broke out in July 1914, people in all European countries cheered the departing armies. Women kissed the new warriors as they marched off to the departing trains. Never in most men’s lives had they felt so important and valuable.
Unfortunately, these illusions for both men and women will soon be destroyed. War is a brutal, terrible experience with massive suffering on all sides. The opposing soldiers are usually pictured to be barbarians which allows each side to attack the other. World War I, the war to supposedly end all wars, is the epitome of the tragedy of war.
But one event occurs on Christmas Day 1914, that shows the power of love and friendship over death and hatred. This remarkable event is told by John McCutcheon in the fine picture book, “Christmas in the Trenches.”
After months of constant battle with enormous causalities, the German and Austrian armies faced the combined forces of Great Britain and France. Hunkered down in trenches like prairie dogs, the soldiers of each side rarely raise their heads above the tops of the trenches. In front of the trenches were huge masses of barbed wire with buried land mines. Beyond this lay No Man’s Land, a stretch of ground ranging from several hundred yards to a half mile. Since all of No Man’s Land is in the field of fire, virtually every soldier caught in this deadly area is killed.
As both sides faced each other on Christmas Eve 1914, familiar songs could be heard from the German trenches. As the warriors reflect, the Allied soldiers begin singing the same songs in English. Suddenly, the German begin singing “Stille Nacht.” The British soldiers respond with the corresponding song “Silent Night.” Finally, peace begins to descend over the hell on earth system of trenches. As the British soldiers look up, a German soldier climbs out of his trench with a Christmas tree filled with burning candles. How can you shoot a man holding a Christmas tree filled with candles?
Soon soldiers from both sides are jumping out of their trenches and greeting the others in No Man’s Land. Each side sees the humanity in the “enemy” and they trade cigarettes, candy and food packages. When someone kicks a soccer ball into No Man’s Land, an enjoyable thought occurs to many. Both sides begin to sense the angels’ statement about peace on earth.
What happens between the two armies? It seems that common soldiers have figured out the solution to this hideous conflict. What have they learned about each other? Why are the armies able to stop the destruction of World War I on Christmas 1914? To find out, go to the library and read this fine book, “Christmas in the Trenches,” by John McCutcheon.
The Christmas Truce of 1914 is one of the finest moments of World War I. The High Commands of both sides feared that the Christmas season would bring out compassion in their armies and make them not want to continue the fight. The generals “solve” the compassion problems subsequently by ordering military offensives during the Christmas season. But the Christmas Truce of 1914 shows that a beautiful song like “Silent Night” can bring Our Lord into the hearts of warring soldiers and change them. I hope you get a chance to read this fine book.
The Nebraska Legislature’s specially created “Tax Modernization Committee” met the December 15 deadline and issued a report ahead of the upcoming session.
A report on modernization and reform of a system as complex and broad in scope as taxation could have shaken some policy cores; it could have been stirring, a “wow” moment; an “ohmygosh” happening. It didn’t. It isn’t. It wasn’t. It’s relatively measured, perhaps even a bit underwhelming. And that’s probably a good thing.
After six months of analysis and discussion by a 14-member special committee of legislators, one of the report’s findings is that Nebraska’s overall tax system is “comparable in design to most states.” It’s reasonable to understand this to mean that there isn’t anything about Nebraska’s taxation that is desperately bad or embarrassingly out of whack. The system needs some adjustments, as identified and discussed by the report, but “does not require significant changes.” And further study is invited as well.
The report bears the signatures of its chairman, Senator Galen Hadley, and nine of its members: Senators Paul Schumacher, Kate Sullivan, Heath Mello, Kathy Campbell, John Harms, Burke Harr, Tom Hansen, Jeremy Nordquist and Kate Bolz. Four members of the committee declined to sign the report: Senators Pete Pirsch, Ken Schilz, Beau McCoy and Charlie Janssen. For them, apparently, the report doesn’t push forcefully enough or directly enough for relief on property tax and income-tax.
Senators McCoy and Janssen are candidates for Governor and both made it clear that they will be offering proposals for more impactful changes.
The TM committee’s report certainly doesn’t ignore the message that was heard the most during the committee’s process, which included public hearings in five locations across the state. By no surprise, the report’s findings include this: “Property taxes are too high compared to neighboring states.”
Correspondingly, the report recommends increasing state financial aid to local governments—public-school districts especially—to reduce local reliance on property taxes. There are other property-tax-specific recommendations as well.
The report’s treatment of sales tax caught our attention, because we were anxious about whether or not there would be specific recommendations for doing away with traditional church-school-and-charity exemptions. Such wrong-headed ideas aren’t presented. In fact, the tradition behind these exemptions is acknowledged.
The Tax Modernization Committee’s report is easily accessible through the Legislature’s website: www.nebraskalegislature.gov. Reading it probably won’t rock your foundation, but it is a comprehensive review of a major policy structure.
And then there’s health-care reform….
The little scrap of words and claims that has been playing out in the media between Governor Heineman and Senator Nordquist adds a bit of testy and zesty flavor to an otherwise intense public-policy issue. If this was not important, it’s unlikely the chief executive of the administrative branch and the legislative branch’s foremost proponent of universal coverage would be slinging barbs.
The component issue began as a key provision of the Affordable Care Act and then was turned inside-out by a ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court, followed by the stalled outcome on LB 577 in the Legislature’s 2013 session.
Now the issue is on the cusp of a new emphasis. It is likely to be prominent in the upcoming session; perhaps another donnybrook, with plenty of debate.
The carried-over issue is whether or not to expand eligibility for Medicaid in a relatively simple way as a means of enabling greater access to health-care coverage. But the context of the debate in 2014 might be more specifically focused on finding a way to fill an illogical, unjust gap in access to coverage.
In general, individuals and families whose household income is between 100 percent and 400 percent of the Federal poverty line are now eligible for subsidized health insurance made available through the government-facilitated marketplace. Other families are categorically eligible for Medicaid and meet income conditions that can be even somewhat above 100-percent FPL. But there are others, often childless adults and many who are legitimately the working poor, who have household incomes anywhere between zero and the Federal Poverty Line, who are not eligible for either Medicaid or the marketplace. They are impoverished; but current policy in Nebraska—albeit in part a result of both Obamacare and the Supreme Court’s ruling—has them in a coverage gap; perhaps better described as a hole.
Simply expanding Medicaid eligibility as proposed by LB 577 would repair that gap. Other, alternative ideas are surfacing, however. The State of Iowa has one that received federal approval on December 10. Arkansas had one approved earlier in 2013. Arizona has had one for even longer.
A new bill proposing a method other than Medicaid expansion is likely to be introduced. It will have a public hearing in front of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee.
“At the dawn of salvation, it is the birth of a child which is proclaimed as joyful news: ‘I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’ (Lk.2:10-11). The source of this ‘great joy’ is the birth of the Savior; but Christmas also reveals the full meaning of every human birth and the joy which accompanies the birth of the Messiah is thus seen to be the foundation and fulfillment of joy at every child born into the world (cf.Jn. 16:21).”
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord, this introduction to Blessed John Paul II’s encyclical Evangelium Vitae provides a rich source of reflection on the God we serve and human life which He created in His image and likeness.
It is truly extraordinary to contemplate the fact that we worship a God who has experienced every stage and aspect of the human condition (except sin of course). His Son was conceived in the Virgin Mary and took the form of a human being, beginning His life like every human being—as a single cell embryo called a zygote.
According to Scripture, after the Incarnation of our Lord, Mary went in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was six months pregnant with John the Baptist. Experts say it would have taken two to three days for Mary to reach Elizabeth. Therefore, Jesus likely had not yet implanted in Mary’s womb (implantation usually occurs 5-7 days after conception) when His presence caused John to stir in Elizabeth’s womb: “The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby in my womb leapt for joy” (Luke 1:44).
Father Frank Pavone of Priests for Life offers these questions to ponder about the extraordinary reality of our Lord’s gestation in Mary’s womb:
“How long is it possible for believers, who meditate on the unborn child who was God, not to see that unborn children are made in God’s image? Is it likely that those who ponder that our Almighty Protector was a baby in the womb will fail to see that babies in the womb merit protection? Would it happen that Christians, who acknowledge that their Lord and Brother was an embryo and a fetus, will fail to see that every embryo and fetus is a brother and sister in the Lord?”
Another extraordinary source of reflection on human dignity comes from C.S. Lewis’s “The Weight of Glory”: “The dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship. … There are no ordinary people. ... Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbour is the holiest object presented to your senses.”
Another way to celebrate Christmas is to recognize and support the amazing work being done by the more than 30 pregnancy-help centers and maternity homes in Nebraska. I never cease to be in awe and edified by the extraordinary work of these centers, which I believe represent the heart of the pro-life movement.
Among the services these centers provide or facilitate are: housing, instructional programs, provision of maternity and baby clothes, furniture and other necessities, adoption through licensed agencies, parenting classes, job training, medical care including pregnancy testing, prenatal and obstetrical care, social services, including counseling, arrangement for transportation, child health care, assistance in applying for financial help before and after the birth, child support, and chastity education.
A complete list of these centers with contact information is available from my office or online at www.nebcathcon.org (under “Pro-Life”). I can’t imagine a more appropriate way to celebrate the birth of our Lord in a humble stable in Bethlehem than to support your local pregnancy-help center or maternity home.
I admit as a small boy, there were a few presents under the tree where the wrapping was inadvertently torn to reveal ahead of time the contents. Oh how little children wish to receive and open gifts early! This year we priests of the diocese of Lincoln received an early Christmas present from Bishop Conley. It is a book entitled, Forming Intentional Disciples, by Sherry Weddell. We were told at a priest study day that there was something interesting in the first chapter I took to be shocking. I remember thinking, ‘I’ve heard it all, and nothing will surprise me!’
What shocked me was this statement, “The majority of adult Catholics are not even certain that a personal relationship with God is possible.” In addition, the majority of Catholics who leave the Church do so for this very reason. Furthermore, only 60% of Catholics believe in a personal God. Thanks to my parents, it was a given that we have a personal relationship with God. This is the whole point of prayer, talking with a God who loves us. This is the whole point of the Sacraments in which we personally encounter Jesus Christ. This is the whole point of the communion of saints. They are our brothers and sisters who from their place in heaven help us with their prayers. Why else would Almighty God become a baby at that first Christmas if not to have a personal relationship with us?
When we have received such a treasure like our Catholic faith, we need to share it with those who do not have it. Tragically few Catholics feel the desire or need to spread the fullness of faith that is ours. This is not true, apparently, of non-Catholic Christians. The majority of them do feel the need to spread their faith with others.
Recently we gave a car to a young mother at St. Gianna’s. I remember seeing her waiting in our lobby for her new car with her beautiful newborn baby girl. I introduced myself and asked her if she wanted to go into our chapel and thank Jesus for the gift of her car. As we both knelt down in front of the monstrance which contained Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, I noticed she didn’t take her eyes off the monstrance. After saying to her, “That is Jesus!” I said a little prayer thanking God for her baby girl and of course the car. I heard her say in a low voice, “Beautiful!” She kept staring at Jesus … After kneeling for a while, we both left. A seed sown … While leaving, I noticed tears in the older gentleman’s eyes in the pew behind us. I knew he and his wife were praying for her too! I suppose it would have been easier to have walked by and ignored her.
As we kneel before the nativity scene this Christmas, may we all spread the good news of Jesus Christ who personally loves us and never, ever conceal or hide it from others (Lk 8:16). Please know that we at Catholic Social Services wish you and your family a blessed Christmas!
Two weeks ago today, at the tender age of 49, I exchanged the single life for the married life. On Friday, Nov. 29, I married Jacqueline Halbig at St. Rita Church in Alexandria, Va.
God’s timing—although sometimes hard to understand—is perfect. Both Jacqueline and I had discerned the marriage vocation throughout our adult lives and, despite pursuing relationships with others, never found the right person. Consequently, we were beginning to conclude that marriage was not God’s calling for our lives.
A trip to Washington, DC on June 2, 2012 changed that conclusion for both of us. A few months previous, I had lunch in Lincoln with Austin Ruse, president of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-FAM). Mr. Ruse was in Nebraska to speak at the Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women conference.
When he returned home to the Washington D.C. area, Austin’s wife Cathy asked how I was doing and if I was married yet. I’ve known Cathy for many years, from the time when she worked in the U.S. Bishops’ Pro Life Office in Washington, D.C. Austin, who had asked me the same question at lunch, told Cathy that I was still single.
A short time later, I received an e-mail from Cathy asking if I’d like to meet a friend of theirs (Jacqueline Halbig). Having begun to conclude that marriage might not be my calling, I was initially hesitant to say yes. Thanks to the wise counsel of my spiritual director, I agreed to pursue yet another relationship.
On Saturday, June 2, 2012, I flew to Alexandria, and met the woman who a year and a half later would become my wife. I was scheduled to fly there the day before, but after boarding the plane and pulling out toward the runway, the plane was stopped and ultimately cancelled due to storms in the D.C. area.
As a person takes the initial steps to pursue a dating relationship, such strange encounters lead one to wonder whether this is God’s way of saying no or the devil’s way of frustrating God’s will. I concluded the latter and rebooked a flight for the next day.
One of the first things Jacqueline told me was that she recognized my name from some contract work she had done for Americans United for Life during the debate over Obamacare a couple years prior. She was assigned to call my office to discuss various pro-life concerns about the legislation and, for some reason (perhaps because she is German) she was intrigued by my name.
This past connection over pro-life issues in addition to our common relationship with a couple involved in pro-life work was an initial indicator that God may be at work in bringing us together. I had always thought that if I was to be married that I’d most likely find my wife through my pro-life work, and this turned out to be the case.
I share these personal details to encourage single persons (especially those in middle age) who may be discouraged in their pursuit of a good spouse. Both Jacqueline and I recognized that with as many common friends as we have, it was remarkable that we didn’t meet years ago. We also recognized that had we met at a different time in our lives, it is possible that we may not have connected the way we did at this time in our lives. Again, God’s timing is perfect!
Furthermore, because marriage is a sacred institution and essential to a healthy society, I want to encourage those who are considering marriage to discern well whom God has chosen for their spouse. Jacqueline and I agreed that there are worse things than being single—like marrying the wrong person.
If you are dating, don’t rush the courtship. Take plenty of time to really get to know your potential spouse, pray together and apart for God’s guidance in your discernment, and save sexual intimacy until marriage.
Jacqueline’s and my commitment to chastity was critical to us discerning well our call to marriage. It made our relationship—before and after marriage—more special and beautiful. And we were blessed to be told that it inspired others around us who saw that chastity is possible and desirable. We cannot thank God enough!
“Peaceful Protest: The Life of Nelson Mandela”
by Yona Zeldis McDonough, illustrated by Malcah Zeldis.
Walker & Company, New York, 2002, 36 pages, Grades 2-4.
Great leaders need to have the virtues of fortitude and mercy. Fortitude allows leaders to fearlessly continue courageously toward a goal. In the history of the United States, George Washington kept the Continental Army functioning during the brutal winter spent at Valley Forge through his fortitude.
After achieving a difficult goal, the next virtue needed is mercy. Broken wounds are healed through mercy, and leaders demonstrating this wonderful quality will build just and lasting societies.
Last week the world lost one such great leader. Nelson Mandela died last week after a lifetime of heroic service to the country of South Africa. Through his insight, strength, determination and charity, Mandela performed a great service to mankind. Yona Zeldis McDonough has written an excellent biography of Nelson Mandel and has entitled the book, “Peaceful Protest: The Life of Nelson Mandela.”
Born July 18, 1918, Mandela’s father is the well-known chief of the Thembu people. The child’s African name is Buti. Early in his life, Buti’s father refuses to go to a South African English court over a legal matter. Since the elder Mandela is a chief, he believes the English official should come to his village to settle the matter. For this act of refusal, the government strips the Mandela family of most of their possessions, which compels them to move to another village. Though now impoverished, Buti Mandela is very proud that his father stood up to the English official. He learns that courage does not just happen, but rather it is a virtue that one must find in oneself.
Buti begins his education at an English school when he is 9 years old. There the teacher gives him an English name, Nelson. The school teaches the benefits of English culture and civilization and neglects African civilization and culture. Young Nelson quickly figures out that this is an unbalanced and biased type of education.
In spite of this, the young boy works hard and learns a great deal. A number of years later, he moves to the capital of Thembuland and continues his education. There in the capital, Nelson sees beautiful houses and gardens and is astonished to see automobiles. But the racial injustice of South African society starts to weigh on him. He begins to study law and writing articles criticizing the South African government’s policy of apartheid (racial segregation).
His writings and political actions infuriate the South African government and lead to his arrest. He is soon sentenced to life imprisonment on bleak Robbins Island. There, in the most desolate of circumstances, Nelson Mandela develops the virtue of fortitude which will carry him through all of his years of trial. Eventually his great character and courage will make him a towering international figure.
Yona McDonough truthfully tells Mandela’s story. Readers will learn about his family life, his two marriages and his courageous challenging of the brutal racial bigotry endemic in South Africa through most of the 20th century.
As well, readers are treated to the transforming quality of charity which alone can change hatred. With the death of this great man last week, the world lost a distinguished leader and wonderful human being. I hope you get the chance to read this fine biography of Nelson Mandela with your younger family members. The illustrations are very interesting and the story is important for children to learn. Nelson Mandela’s life proves that when justice is seasoned with mercy a country can be reborn. I hope you like this fine book.
Our last reflection highlighted the importance of regularly extending an invitation to Jesus to be more intimately a part of our lives. If sincere, it is an invitation that provokes only one possible response: Yes, of course! What we essentially are requesting is an encounter with the living God.
The dictionary defines a human encounter in terms of meeting somebody unexpectedly or confronting somebody with hostility or aggression. The Catholic Church uses the term to describe a meeting between persons that is very positive and typically intentional. For us, the term usually suggests a certain level of intimacy in the meeting that transcends physical proximity. Indeed it implies an exchange of intangibles that can stimulate, rouse or even transform a person’s heart, mind and soul.
Sadly, encounters of this sort between persons are becoming less frequent as modern technological modes of communication become more prominent, or even invasive, in our everyday lives. It was humorous when the famous Sergeant Joe Friday of Dragnet would cut short a woman sharing intimate details of her life with his signature line, “Just the facts, ma’am.” Nowadays, communication with another is too often relegated to “just the facts”, denying conversations of their potential of developing into encounters. An authentic encounter can only occur when a person shares his or her very self with another. It is so much more than a mere exchange of words.
When Jesus walked the streets of Nazareth, Cana, Jericho or Jerusalem, seldom (if ever) did he encounter people in the sense of meeting them unexpectedly, and never did he do so with hostility or aggression. Either people were seeking out Jesus, or He was in search of them. There were and are no chance encounters with God. They are deliberate and grace-filled opportunities for God’s children to have their hearts, minds and souls changed for the better by coming into close personal contact with the Lord of Life. We are called to get to know Jesus at a very intimate level and He wants to touch us at the core of our being. He wishes ultimately to “encounter” each of us, even daily.
Some very powerful retreat experiences, such as Teens Encounter Christ, Engaged Encounter and Marriage Encounter, all focus on creating an environment in which we are not only open to the possibility of encountering Christ; we deeply desire such a meeting with Him. And that desire often is expressed through a heartfelt confession of our sins, adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and a worthy reception of Holy Communion. The resultant bond with the Lord opens up the potential for greater intimacy with others at all levels: companionship friendship, engagement and marriage. We can see the logic, then, of providing encounter weekends to stimulate such growth between individuals and God: it serves to strengthen and enrich human relationships as well.
Allow the latter part of the Advent season to be a joy-filled anticipation of a new or renewed encounter with the Christ-child. May it deepen our love for Him and strengthen our love for others whom we should hope to “encounter” in more authentic ways in the future. Perhaps we might also deliberately make the coming Christmas season much more than simply a time when we have increased contact with family and friends. Let’s make this celebratory time a veritable feast of real encounters with all whom we hope to share the glories of heaven some day. And may our many Sacramental encounters with Jesus in Confession and Communion be the stimulus for such feasting.
After Mass one sunny Sunday morning, I met Jerry Witte as he exited St. John the Baptist Parish in Cambridge. He slipped me a donation saying, “Father, it was a good year!”
Jerry and his wife Jean have been married 65 years. We gave him a table at our next Catholic Social Services “Bountiful Harvest Dinner” in Hastings. I was elated when I found out he an
d his wife Jean had purchased my gourmet dinner on the silent auction.
Once purchased, they had a decision to make. They had to choose between a multicourse Spanish, Italian or Czech dinner. Decisions, decisions. They chose Czech. In scheduling dinner at their home, we had to do so around Jerry’s 90th birthday party.
On Sunday, Nov. 24, Pat Walbrecht and I packed one of our CSS vehicles full of the food and beverages to be consumed at the home of Jerry and Jean, just south of Cambridge. The invited guests included their son Steve and his wife Connie, their daughter Brenda and her husband Mark (who is real handy at fixing broken garbage disposals), and their other daughters Sharon and Barb (with their husbands Kelly and Duane). As we pulled up the driveway, we were greeted with a beautiful snow shower which lasted less than 30 minutes followed by a beautiful sunset; a gift to all of us.
The appetizers included an exotic sausage medley over baked wheat sesame seed crackers with cream cheese pickles wrapped in ham. Then came the main course of pork roast, dumplings, sauerkraut, gravy, corn and bread, followed by freshly baked kolaches and cinnamon rolls. Beverages included wine and beer.
Our conversation that afternoon and evening covered many topics and themes including things which matter most, God, our Catholic faith and family. Jerry and Jean were so happy to inform us that most of the grandchildren were able to make Jerry’s 90th birthday just days before. It was wonderful we were all able to sing him happy birthday one more time.
Jerry said he is so grateful to live so close to his church, as he attends Mass every morning with his wife Jean. They are a great example to us all. I was able to thank him for his generosity to CSS, for without him and the rest of our supporters, we would not be able to help the many individuals that come to us on a daily basis in need.
I would like to thank Jerry and Jean for purchasing the dinner, and their guests for a wonderful evening. I would like them to know they are in our special prayers as well as all of our other benefactors who help us love Jesus who is present in the poor and needy. May God Bless you all now and in eternity!
Everyone likes receiving invitations. Getting one is something that makes us feel important and connected. Not getting one leaves us feeling insignificant and forgotten.
Christians are entering into the most meaningful season of invitations. No, we are not referring to Christmas parties or family gatherings characteristic of this time of year. Rather, it is our invitations to Jesus that come to the fore in this grace-filled season of Advent.
Salvation itself is predicated on the fact that God has invited each of us into a personal relationship with Him that is a requirement for entrance into heaven. We should recall how poignantly Jesus made it clear that only His friends would be welcomed into heavenly glory. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven… Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers’” (Mt. 7: 21, 23). Jesus repeatedly defined a disciple and friend as “one who does the will of my Father.” Getting into heaven, then, is completely reliant upon our acceptance of an invitation to friendship with Jesus.
Many Christians regrettably have allowed their religious practice to become little more than routinely going through the motions of participation in Sunday rituals, hoping to sneak through the pearly gates with no more than a modicum of effort. Jesus describes what happens to such “intruders” in the Parable of the Wedding Feast (Mt. 22: 1-14) when the king, representing Jesus, discovers the guest “without a wedding garment” and orders him to be bound and cast outside, “where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” The lesson Jesus was teaching His disciples was simple: “Many are invited, but few are chosen.” The “chosen ones” are those who accept and cultivate the friendship Jesus offers to each of us. Advent provides believers with the opportunity to take seriously the relationship we have with our Lord by strengthening it.
In prayer and song we accept Christ’s invitation to us by inviting Him into our hearts. We often sing, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “Come, Lord Jesus” or “O Come, Divine Messiah” as a prayer of invitation. Equally common is our acclamation of faith that Jesus indeed will come to us. We sing, “The King Shall Come,” “On Jordan’s Bank” (‘the Lord is nigh’) or “Proclaim the Joyful Message” (‘our God is coming’). Whatever the case, our acceptance of God’s invitation is itself in the form of an invitation, or better yet, a re-invitation that recognizes that a vibrant relationship with Jesus is what constitutes the acceptance of the gift of salvation. Once we recognize this reality, it then behooves us to give this relationship the attention it deserves, much as we would do for someone we consider to be our “very best friend.” In reality, should we not reserve such a distinction for Jesus alone?
The ways that we can invite Jesus into our hearts, into our families, into our workplaces are limitless. But, as Pope Francis continues to demonstrate rather vividly, our friendship with Jesus is reflected most noticeably in the way we treat those around us. ‘Tis the season to practice generosity, kindness, patience, mercy and love. We Christians are called to raise the bar for ourselves and to set the standard for others in practicing these very things. In just this way we invite Jesus into our lives and welcome Him into our world.
Office for Evangelization,
402-488-2040 or
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
With its level of incarcerated criminals hovering around 150 percent of design capacity, and projected to keep climbing, Nebraska has a problem and a challenge. The overcrowding will be a matter of attention in the upcoming session of the Unicameral, which begins Jan. 8.
State law says when the prison population reaches 140 percent of capacity, the Governor has discretionary authority to address the situation as an emergency. That authority hasn’t been implemented, but as the problem escalates—Nebraska’s number is already among the worst in the nation and moving in a direction opposite that of national trends—the possibility of lawsuits and federal court intervention grows.
One approach for relieving overcrowding would be to build another prison. But with a construction cost estimated in the range of $150 million, and an additional $35 million in annual operating costs, no one in any decision-making capacity is interested in construction as a solution. The state budget for corrections already is about $160 million per year.
The policy challenge is how to alleviate chronic overcrowding using alternatives to incarceration without compromising public safety. The challenge is complex.
Believe it or not, initiatives and experiences in tough-minded Texas might suggest a strategy with possibilities for success.
The strategy has come to be known as justice reinvestment. It means investing in community-based and rehabilitation-focused programs for non-violent offenders, typically those convicted of drug and property crimes. (About 58 percent of those incarcerated by the state Department of Corrections are in that situation because of crimes other than any form of homicide, first-degree assault, first-degree sexual assault and robbery.)
In August, the Omaha World Herald editorially described the strategy as follows:
“Prison alternatives are about saving money by investing instead in the treatment centers, drug courts, problem-solving courts, probation and parole officers needed to hold nonviolent criminals accountable…. It’s about giving people who might succeed a chance to do so with their support networks in tow….”
In Texas, it is estimated that the justice-reinvestment strategy is resulting in $1.5 billion of construction cost savings and $340 million in averted operating costs annually. What’s more, the crime rate has fallen.
The Nebraska Legislature’s Judiciary Committee already has enlisted assistance from the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center. Its in-depth analysis of Nebraska’s crime and corrections data is anticipated to result in recommendations for policy changes involving both administrative and legislative actions.
The up-front element of the complexity could be addressed as well. That would involve sentencing reforms. For instance, the legislated policy of mandatory minimum sentences for some crimes could undergo re-thinking. Giving sentencing judges greater flexibility would likely affect chronic overcrowding to some extent.
And finally… from a lighter side:
A really good story about how “hitting Send” can result in an “uh oh’ moment was reported in Nebraska last month. It’s a hoot.
A prominent attorney, himself a former president of the Nebraska State Bar Association, looked on as two of his colleagues in high levels of the association’s leadership argued a case on its behalf in front of the seven justices of the Nebraska Supreme Court.
Not long after the oral arguments were concluded, the principal in this story crafted an e-mail message in which he congratulated and praised his friends for their skillful performances. But he also went a bit further and expressed some not-so-nice thoughts about the justices; as reported, referring to some of their questions as “ill-conceived and uninformed.”
Okay; one man’s opinion; except for the fact that the “To” line didn’t include just the two attorneys who argued their case, but also others from a category of the address book. One of those others was the Chief Justice of the same Supreme Court.
Uh-oh.
Once you hit “Send”…. uh oh.
An apology was issued.
“The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale About The Rockefeller Center Tree”
by Jim LaMarche, Illustrated by David Rubel.
Random House, New York, 2011, 32 pages, Grades K-3.
Christmas is the most cherished day of the year for many people. On this day, the world received God the Father’s greatest gift, His Son, Jesus Christ. With unbounded charity, Our Lord leads us back to His Father in heaven. This has always inspired people to open their hearts to others during this beautiful holiday. Many times it is not the cost of the gift, but the love and sacrifice needed to attain the gift that touches hearts.
Throughout the history of the United States there have been numerous times of grave distress. This was especially true during the 1930s when the terrible Great Depression lay like a crushing weight upon the nation. During this time, giving was difficult, and those receiving these blessings were very grateful. David Rubel has created a lovely story of one such gift. It is entitled “The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale About The Rockefeller Center Tree.”
Henry awakes the day before Christmas in a bitterly cold house in upstate New York. With both parents out of work, there is no heat in the house and the family makes out the best that it can. Henry’s father believes he can sell some Christmas trees in New York City, and calls his son to help.
Henry and his father cut down some evergreens and drive to the city in a borrowed truck. There a group of carpenters help them unload the truck. The sales are brisk and needed money is made. Henry’s dad gives the remaining trees to the generous carpenters. They quickly decorate one tree with strings, ribbons and tin can lids and when the city lights strike the tree, beautiful colors flash off of the ornaments. Henry is amazed at the beauty of the tree and writes a wish and places it on one of the branches of the tree. He only asks that his family someday have a nice warm house. He sees an exquisite pine cone on the ground and takes it back home and plants it in the yard.
On Christmas Day, Henry wakes up to the toot of a truck horn. Much to the family’s surprise, the carpenters have driven up from the city with a load of lumber. They are about to give the impoverished family a gift. As the years go by Henry’s pine cone grows into a majestic tree until one day, many years later, a man asks Henry if he can return the gift he was given.
What did the carpenters do and why were they so charitable? Despite their poverty, why is Henry’s family so loving? Is Henry’s wish answered? How does a gift of a claw hammer play into the story? Who receives this hammer at the end of the story? And finally, why does the skating rink at Rockefeller Center look so spectacular because of Henry’s charity?
To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this touching story, “The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale About The Rockefeller Center Tree” by David Rubel.
Reading this moving story with the younger members of your family will be a gift to them and to yourself. It is positive and uplifting and will inspire generosity. The pictures are beautiful and poignant. The final drawing of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center is simply stunning. I hope you get a chance to read this wonderfully told tale. It’s a great book. Enjoy!
Scripture (Luke 19:41-44) reveals Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. A daily commentary on each day’s Mass readings (“The Better Part”) says Jesus “looks down upon this city, chosen by God to be a lantern for the world, whose vocation is to be frustrated by the stubborn refusal of its leaders to admit God’s sovereignty.
“Jesus weeps… because he knows that those who reject God’s rule and the peace it brings simultaneously submit themselves to Satan’s view (we only have two options), and that means destruction.” One can only imagine how bitterly our Lord must weep over the complete degradation of human sexuality in our culture.
From music lyrics, to movies, to television programs, to advertisements, the objective seems to be to push the bounds of sexual degradation as far as possible. A recent example of such degradation, in the advertising realm, is a series of print ads promoting Obamacare in Colorado.
One ad shows a woman holding a package of birth control pills standing next to a man. Underneath their picture are the words, “Susie and Nate Hot to Trot.” Next to their picture it says, “Let’s Get Physical, OMG, he’s hot! Let’s hope he’s as easy to get as this birth control. My health insurance covers the pill, which means all I have to worry about is getting him between the covers.” The ad concludes with “thanks obamacare!”
There are lots of adjectives one could use to describe this ad and what it says about our culture. I’ll just go with “sad,” because it makes me want to weep for our culture and its objectification of human beings and their sacred gift of co-creating new human life.
I’m confident this makes our Lord weep, too. After all, He made human beings “capable of a higher kind of love than concupiscence, which only sees objects as a means to satisfy one’s appetites; the person is capable rather of friendship and self-giving, with the capacity to recognize and love persons for themselves.
“Like the love of God, this is a love capable of generosity. One desires the good of the other because he or she is recognized as worthy of being loved. This is a love which generates communion between persons, because each considers the good of the other as his or her own good.” [from the Vatican document Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality]
In “Married Love and the Gift of Life,” the U.S. Bishops say “married love is powerfully embodied in the spouses’ sexual relationship, when they most fully express what it means to become ‘one body’ (Gn 2:24) or ‘one flesh’ (Mk 10:8, Mt 19:6). The Church teaches that the sexual union of husband and wife is meant to express the full meaning of love, its power to bind a couple together and its openness to new life.
“When Scripture portrays God creating mankind “in his image” (Gn 1:27), it treats the union of man and woman as joining two persons equal in human dignity (“This one, at last, is bone of my bones / and flesh of my flesh,” Gn 2:23), and as being open to the blessing of children (“Be fertile and multiply,” Gn 1:28).
“Married love differs from any other love in the world. By its nature, the love of husband and wife is so complete, so ordered to a lifetime of communion with God and each other, that it is open to creating a new human being they will love and care for together. Part of God’s gift to husband and wife is this ability in and through their love to cooperate with God’s creative power.
“Therefore, the mutual gift of fertility is an integral part of the bonding power of marital intercourse. That power to create a new life with God is at the heart of what spouses share with each other.”
In 1959, the U.S. Bishops consecrated the United States to the Immaculate Conception. As we are about to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, let us pray that our Blessed Mother will intercede for our nation that God would have mercy on our sins against purity and that our society will understand and live the true meaning and dignity of human sexuality.
On Saturday Nov. 16, Bishop James Conley celebrated the first annual White Mass with health professionals from the Diocese of Lincoln at Blessed John XXIII Center.
After Mass, Father Matthew Gutowski, the national chaplain for the Catholic Medical Association (CMA) and chaplain for its Omaha Guild, spoke to those gathered. He spoke of the importance of incorporating the faith into all we do including the practice of medicine. Dr. David Hilger, a former Lincoln resident who now lives and works as a radiologist in Omaha, re-iterated this importance and his own spiritual journey.
This was certainly true of the patron saint of Lincoln’s guild, St. Joseph Moscati, who was canonized in 1987 by Blessed John Paul II. It was thought that he would follow his father’s footsteps and become an attorney, but after taking care of a handicapped brother, he surprised all in his family by becoming a doctor.
St. Joseph Moscati felt compelled to live as a celibate so as to dedicate his entire life to help his patients not only medically but spiritually. He had a reputation of never charging poor patients and was even known to send destitute patients away from his clinic with money attached to his prescriptions to ensure they were able to purchase the needed medications. Throughout his life, he never compartmentalized his faith in one area of his mind and the practice of medicine in another, a trap that many physicians fall into today.
I would like to encourage all healthcare professionals in the Diocese of Lincoln to consider joining the Lincoln Guild of the CMA. Nationally, the CMA is the largest group in America composed of Catholic healthcare professionals. Formed in 1932, the CMA is devoted to helping its members grow in their faith so as to be better equipped to not only incorporate it into their practices but to better articulate it to others and to defend Catholic ethical principles in the public arena so desperately needed in this secular environment.
I invite you to visit the website, www.cathmed.org to learn more. As stated therein, CMA members of the St. Moscati Guild of the Diocese of Lincoln are encouraged to serve the poor, are obliged to lead by example in their daily lives, to have a desire to grow closer to Almighty God through study and spiritual growth and to get involved when Catholic ethics are being threatened. You will find much interesting and useful information by studying this website.
I would like to thank all of the members of the Moscati Guild of the CMA in Lincoln for all of their hard work and efforts in organizing not only the formation of this guild but for our White Mass and meeting. Thanks to our speakers and to all who attended.
I would also like to thank Bishop Conley not only for his support but for offering our first annual White Mass. It was providential because he is taking over for Bishop Robert Vasa from the Diocese of Santa Rosa, Calif., as the next episcopal advisor of the CMA. Please be assured of our prayers for you. St. Joseph Moscati, pray for us!
“Jack’s Path of Courage: The Life of John F. Kennedy,”
by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Matt Tavares.
Hyperion Books, New York, 2010, 32 pages, Grades 2-4.
Fifty years ago this week, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. This event shocked and stunned the nation and the entire world. Kennedy embodied hope and faith in the future of mankind. His eloquent speeches and appealing family seemed to speak to the best parts of the country’s heritage. The tragic events in Dallas stole the life of this promising president and shattered the innocence of the nation. Doreen Rappaport traces the life of John F. Kennedy in this fine biography. Readers will better understand the Kennedy family, the issues that motivated John Kennedy to succeed, and the physical challenges Kennedy endured to become president.
John Kennedy was born into a wealthy Irish/American family in 1917. Growing up in Boston, Jack, as he was called within the family lived a privileged life that included beautiful homes in the city and on the seashore. With three brothers and five sisters, the Kennedy’s were a vivacious family. The father, Joseph Kennedy, is determined to have his family be exceptionally successful. The oldest brother, Joseph Jr., seems preordained to become a successful politician. He and Jack vie with each other in studies and sports, with Joseph usually besting his younger brother. Jack turns to reading and study as well as sports to develop himself. Unfortunately, Jack injures his back in sports and begins to suffer lifelong pain from the event. Jack takes his senior thesis in college and rewrites it. Assisted by a newspaper reporter, Jack produces the highly acclaimed book, Why England Slept. With the outbreak of World War Two, both Joe and Jack Kennedy enlist in the military. Joe is a bomber pilot and Jack is a PT attack boat commander. In August 1943 Joe is killed in a plane explosion, and Jack’s PT boat is rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer. Kennedy’s back is further injured in this attack on the PT boat. Demonstrating heroic courage, Kennedy saves the lives of a crewman by literally holding the man’s life belt line in his teeth and swimming some four miles to a nearby island. Luckily the island had not been occupied by the Japanese and Kennedy manages to keep his crew focused on being rescued. After a number of days, the PT crew is rescued and Jack Kennedy is awarded three medals for his valor.
When the war ends in 1945, Jack returns to Boston and enters politics. He is quickly elected to the House of Representatives and later the United States Senate. His painful back injuries continue to plague Kennedy throughout his time in Congress. Once when recuperating from back pain, he writes the highly acclaimed book, “Profiles in Courage.” While receiving some editorial assistance from his speech writer, Ted Sorensen, the book is Kennedy’s creation. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature. Interestingly enough, Sorensen is from Lincoln, Nebraska. Rappaport concludes this well written biography with an account of Kennedy’s presidency and a sympathetic treatment of the assassination.
Most people over 60 years old have a snapshot memory of where they were when they heard news of John Kennedy’s assassination. I was in the seventh grade class of Sister Borgia at St. Patrick’s Grade School. We were shocked and stunned beyond words. It was like part of our lives had been torn away as well. Rappaport tells this story of John Kennedy with insight and compassion. The illustrations are realistic and illuminating. I hope you get a chance to read this fine biography with your family. It will be well worth your time and provide a needed historical bridge for the young people in your family. May you rest in peace President Kennedy.
At their annual November meeting, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a “special message” reaffirming their vow to fight the HHS contraception, sterilization, abortifacient mandate. “As the government’s implementation of the mandate against us approaches [January 1, 2014], we bishops stand united in our resolve to resist this heavy burden and protect our religious freedom,” the message says.
The message begins with a quote by Pope Francis: “In the context of society, there is only one thing which the Church quite clearly demands: the freedom to proclaim the Gospel in its entirety, even when it runs counter to the world, even when it goes against the tide.”
“We stand together as pastors charged with proclaiming the Gospel in its entirety,” the Bishops say. “That Gospel calls us to feed the poor, heal the sick, and educate the young, and in so doing witness to our faith in its fullness. Our great ministries of service and our clergy, religious sisters and brothers, and lay faithful, especially those involved in Church apostolates, strive to answer this call every day, and the Constitution and the law protect our freedom to do so.
“Yet with its coercive HHS mandate,” the bishops’ continue, “the government is refusing to uphold its obligation to respect the rights of religious believers.”
The Bishops then reiterated three basic problems with the HHS mandate that they first articulated in March 2012 in their statement “United for Religious Freedom”. First, “it establishes a false architecture of religious liberty that excludes our ministries and so reduces freedom of religion to freedom of worship.”
Second, “it compels our ministries to participate in providing employees with abortifacient drugs and devices, sterilization, and contraception, which violates our deeply-held beliefs.” Third “it compels our faithful people in business to act against our teachings, failing to provide them any exemption at all.”
“Despite our repeated efforts to work and dialogue toward a solution, those problems remain,” the bishops said. “Not only does the mandate undermine our ministries’ ability to witness to our faith, which is their core mission, but the penalties it imposes also lay a great burden on those ministries, threatening their very ability to survive and to serve the many who rely on their care.” The full statement can be seen online at http://usccb.org/HHS mandate.
At the end of the statement, the Bishops mention their continued efforts in Congress and in the Courts to protect religious freedom. On the latter front, there was more good news recently in a couple of court cases against the HHS mandate.
First, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of two Catholic families and their businesses who filed lawsuits against the HHS mandate. In both cases, Korte v. Sebelius and Grote v. Sebelius lower courts had ruled against these families. In issuing an injunction prohibiting enforcement of the mandate against these plaintiffs, the court spoke clearly and strongly in support of religious liberties and the freedom of conscience.
Second, a federal judge has ruled in favor of the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Erie in Pennsylvania issuing a preliminary injunction prohibiting enforcement of the HHS mandate against these dioceses and their affiliated organizations. According to Matt Bowman, a legal expert involved in many of these HHS lawsuits, this is a huge victory for a couple of reasons.
First, “it defeats the so-called ‘accommodation’ that President Obama has attempted to thrust on non-profit religious groups”, Bowman states. “That alleged compromise draws a bright line between churches and other non-profit religious groups, and it forces those groups to trigger contraceptive insurance coverage by means of a shell game where they are supposed to pretend they aren’t involved.”
Second, “the injunction is the first one that has been thoroughly litigated for a Catholic non-profit organization, and only the second one so litigated for a non-profit entity of any kind (Geneva College, also in Pennsylvania, won a similar injunction earlier this year).” For a complete report on the status of all lawsuits against the HHS Mandate, check out www.becketfund.org.
You can contact Greg at:
The Nebraska Catholic Conference,
215 Centennial Mall South Suite 310,
Lincoln, NE 68508;
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
I recently received this thank you letter from someone who lives west of the Iowa/Missouri border, east of the Colorado border, north of the Kansas border and south of the Platte River. “Dear Father Kubat: I just wanted to say thank you for the help I received from Catholic Social Services to get my car repaired. I will always be grateful. It was our family’s only car, and my daughter had to get to school and work. I had no way to pay for such expensive repairs, and I felt hopeless … I will definitely tell people that we know that Catholic Social Services is a worthy place to donate money to, and that I felt the love of God through your organization. Hopefully someday I can pay you back, but in the meantime, I will pray for your efforts. May God bless you and the people you work with.”
This is one of the many thank-you letters mailed to me outlining the love of Jesus Christ people receive because of our generous donors. Because of you, we are able to touch countless individuals and families that come to us in crisis. For this I will be eternally grateful. Whether it is help with rent, utilities, a grant for counseling services for someone who is un-insured or under-insured, food, clothing, or some other service that we provide, our goal is to love Jesus Christ who is present in them as they see the face of Christ in us.
We recently gave a car to a woman at St. Gianna’s who was walking six miles round trip to work. It was donated by a generous and loving man. The car belonged to his late wife. When the young mother saw her ‘new’ car, she was overwhelmed with emotion and tears of joy. We were able to purchase her an auto insurance policy to get her started. She now is able to drive to work and take her two children to wherever they need to go.
I know that when these two mothers sit down at the dinner table during Thanksgiving Day, they will thank God for the generous people who made the repairs to one vehicle and the gift of another possible. I would also like to re-iterate their gratitude as well. We at Catholic Social Services are most grateful and pray for our benefactors on a daily basis.
I would like to thank those who donated the many turkeys and other food items either individually or through one of our many Thanksgiving food drives. Because of your love and generosity, many families will be able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all of the trimmings.
As we gather this upcoming holiday with family and friends, let us not forget to thank God the Father for the greatest gift ever given, the gift of His Son to us who came as a little baby at that first Christmas. He came to die so we could all live – eternally with Him and all of the angels and saints. Let us not forget to thank God for all He has given us and will give us.
Importance
From time to time it is well to take some time to reflect seriously about the most important things in life. For us Catholics and for our Catholic Church the most important of things is the sacred liturgy, and in a special way, the sacrifice and sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which is the core of the liturgy. Although, as the Second Vatican Council teaches, “the sacred liturgy does not exhaust the entire activity of the Church; nevertheless the liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed. At the same time it is the fount from which all her power flows. For the aim and object of all apostolic works is that all who are made children of God by faith and Baptism should come together to praise God in the midst of His Church, to take part in the divine Sacrifice, and to eat the Lord’s Supper.”
The Council goes on to say, “The liturgy in turn moves the faithful, filled with the paschal sacraments, to be one in holiness. It prays that they may hold fast in their lives to what they have grasped by their faith. The renewal in the Holy Eucharist of the covenant between the Lord and our humanity draws the faithful into the compelling love of Christ and sets them afire. From the liturgy, therefore, and especially from the Eucharist as from a fountain, grace is poured forth upon us, and the sanctification of men in Christ and the glorification of God, to which all other activities of the Church are directed as toward their end, are achieved in the most efficacious possible way. But, in order that the liturgy may be able to produce its full effects, it is necessary that the faithful come to it with proper dispositions, that their minds should be attuned to what they are saying or singing, and that they should cooperate with divine grace lest they receive it in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1).”
Renewed Translation
Another reason, albeit a less important one, to reflect on the sacred liturgy particularly in the present time is that within another year or two a new English translation of the liturgical prayers for the Mass will be forthcoming, requiring some adjustments in the words that are used in the public worship of the Church, when done in our native tongue. For about 1700 years, after the change from the Greek, the Latin language was what was used in the liturgy in the entire Western Rite of the Catholic Church. It was the intention of the Second Vatican Council that, in large measure, this should be continued, since the Council proclaimed, “Particular law remaining in force, the use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin Rites.”
However, the Council also decreed, “Since the use of the mother tongue, whether in the Mass, the administration of the sacraments, or other parts of the liturgy, frequently can be of great advantage to the people, the limits of its employment may be extended.” The translations into the vernacular languages, the Council decreed, like all matters liturgical, may be done only by those whom God the Holy Spirit has raised up to shepherd the flock of Jesus. “Regulation of the sacred liturgy depends solely on the authority of the Church, that is, on the Apostolic See and, as laws may determine, on the Bishop. Therefore, no other person, even if he be a priest, may add, remove, or change anything in the liturgy on his own authority.”
ICEL
During the Second Vatican Council, on October 17, 1963, the Bishops of the English speaking countries in the world present there in Rome, including the United States, agreed that English is generally an univocal language and that there should one English language version of the liturgy for all the English speaking lands on earth. In April of 1964, at the behest of the Holy See, they formed the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) to assist them in the work of translation from Latin into English. In the meantime, the “Concilium”, a body of Bishops and scholars established by Pope Paul VI to implement the Constitution on the Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council, issued a document in French to guide all translations from the Latin into modern languages. It was called from its first words “Comme le Prevoit”. It basically provided for what was called “dynamic equivalence” or free translation as a guiding principle, so that a modern idiom might be used, and words, phrases, style, etc. of the original text could be freely altered or omitted by the translators.
Widespread discontent with the imperfections, errors, and other problematic items seen over the past 40 years in all translations, especially in the English, caused Pope John Paul II to issue in March-May 2001, a new and definitive guide to translation work in liturgical matters, entitled from its first words in Latin “Liturgiam Authenticam”, supplanting “Comme le Prevoit”. This new document of the Holy See rejects “dynamic equivalence” and now requires the liturgical translations from the Latin to be done in “formal equivalency”, that is, to be verbally exact without omissions or additions and without any paraphrases or glosses.
New Missal Edition
After the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council in April of 1969, Pope Paul VI approved and issued a new Roman Missal to replace that of Blessed Pope John XXIII (which dated from 1962). Pope Paul VI then issued in 1975 another revised Roman Missal. In the Year of the Great Jubilee (2000), Pope John Paul II issued yet another and the latest Roman Missal (called in Latin the “Editio Tertia Typica” of the Roman Missal). Unlike the two Missals issued by Pope Paul VI, this newest Roman Missal has been translated into English by the ICEL people according to “Liturgiam Authenticam” and now has been approved in that form by all the hierarchies of the English speaking countries. It awaits the approval (“recognitio”) of “Vox Clara” (a group of English speaking prelates from around the world appointed by the Pope to help the Holy See in this kind of work) and of the Holy See itself. This is foreseen to be forthcoming shortly, and then the publishers within a year should have the new English language Roman Missal ready for use (most likely by Advent of 2011), when we all should be able to use it after receiving some appropriate instruction and catechesis about the new words and expressions that we will experience. The book will be called again The Roman Missal. The previous (and current) use of the term “Sacramentary” has been shown to be inaccurate and incorrect.
This effort should significantly help implement what the Second Vatican Council taught: “Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that full, conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation by the Christian People as a ‘chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart’ (1 Peter 2:4-9) is their right and duty by reason of their Baptism.”
Linguistic Array
The Bishop of Brooklyn, New York, once told me that on any given Sunday Holy Mass in the Roman Rite in his Diocese is offered in more than 30 languages. The Cardinal-Archbishop of Los Angeles went him even better and told me that in his Archdiocese on Sunday, Holy Mass in the Roman Rite is offered in more than 50 languages. (The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is numerically the largest U.S. Diocese with more than 5 million registered Catholics.) In our Diocese of Lincoln, here on the Great Plains of North America, we have far fewer language varieties. However, on every Sunday Masses are being offered regularly here in the Latin language (partly or entirely), and in the Spanish language and the Vietnamese language. Occasionally too Masses are offered here in French, Czech, and German, as well as in other tongues. We also have Masses in other languages in other Rites than the Roman Rite in our diocesan territory, (the Melkite and Ukrainian Rites, for instance), although these are not under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Lincoln, but rather under the authority of Bishops appointed by the Holy See to take pastoral care of those Eastern Rites.
These realities in our country alone confirm not only that the effects of the Babel event (Genesis 11:1-9) continue to remain with us on earth, but also that, in Christ and in the Church He founded, which is Catholic or universal, through the Pentecost event (Acts of the Apostles 2:6-12), the Babel disaster is beginning to be undone (an undoing that only will be completed at Weekthe Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time). Despite differences in the languages used, the Catholic Mass is the same everywhere, and, in the Roman Rite, all the Roman Missals used in these various languages have been translated from the official, standard Latin Missal by the Bishops of the respective countries where those languages are used (with subsequent approval by the Holy See).
English
Although there are various accents, pronunciation varieties, and differing slang and commonly used expressions throughout the English speaking world, our language is basically the same everywhere. This is why the Holy See, after the Second Vatican Council when the vernacularization of the Roman Rite liturgy began, strongly urged that the Bishops of the English speaking countries make a united effort to have one English language translation of the Roman Missal for the whole world. The result was the formation of the International Commission for English in the Liturgy (ICEL).
There are 11 countries (including the United States) which have English as the primary or exclusive language. There are an additional 17 countries which use English extensively together with their native languages. This is especially those countries, former British colonies, (such as India and Nigeria), which have a number of various official languages. Because of this difference (some countries in the 11 category and others in the 17 category) , there is a two tier voting system in the ICEL arrangements. Each hierarchy involved elects a Bishop to be a representative to ICEL. Since the enactment of the document “Liturgiam Authenticam” the Holy See exercises some control over who are named to be the staff members of that group.
Formidable Task
Translation work is always complicated and difficult, particularly when it involves going from Latin into English, because English is a very large language, (about one third larger than other modern languages). The use of contemporary English is widespread throughout the world and only Mandarin Chinese is spoken or used by more people on earth. Liturgical translation requires, of course, theological orthodoxy, accuracy, and precision. It also requires language which is comprehensible, noble, beautiful, “speakable”, and “singable”. When about one thousand English speaking Bishops from various countries are involved in translating or overseeing a translation, the task becomes huge, since selections of syntax, adverbs, adjectives, sentence structure, and synonyms can sometimes occasion quarrels even about taste and appropriateness.
In regard to the new Roman Missal (issued in the year 2000 by the Holy See in Latin), the ICEL staff, following the document “Liturgicam Authenticam”, did a draft of a translation section by section of the Missal. These drafts then were sent over the past several years to the Bishops’ Conferences for comments and amendments. These comments and amendments were returned to the ICEL staff from all the Conferences. This process went on back and forth over the past few years several times. Finally, ICEL, having taken into account as much as possible the Bishops’ views and having tried to reconcile the differences of opinions from one Episcopal Conference to the next, sent the final drafts to the Bishops’ Conference, which then voted on them. Now that all the English speaking Conferences have approved them, they have been sent on to the Holy See to obtain final approval (“recognition”) from there, so that the new Missal translated into English can be published soon. To help in this work of approval, Pope John Paul II had invented a group of English speaking prelates from various countries, headed by Cardinal Pell of Sydney, Australia, to help him and his successor along with the department of the Holy See concerned with these matters (Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments) in their duty of evaluation and oversight. This group is called “Vox Clara” and meets regularly in Rome.
New Missal
In the Preamble to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, we read: “When He was about to celebrate with His disciples the Passover Meal in which He instituted the Sacrifice of His Body and Blood, Christ the Lord gave instructions that a large furnished upper room should be prepared (Luke 22:12). The Church has always regarded this command as applying also to herself when she gives directions about the preparation of people’s hearts and minds and of the places, rites, and texts for the celebration of the Most Holy Eucharist.”
Guido Marini
Last January 6th, Monsignor Guido Marini, the current Pope’s Master of Liturgical Ceremonies and Head of the College of Masters of Pontifical Ceremonies, delivered a discourse in the Vatican to a large group of English speaking priests from the United States and Australia. Monsignor Guido Marini, from Genoa, Italy, succeeded in that office Archbishop Piero Marini (same last name but no relation), who had been the Master of Ceremonies for Pope John Paul II for many years, but now has been promoted by Pope Benedict XVI to be the President of the Papal Commission for International Eucharistic Congresses. The discourse of Monsignor Guido Marini is entitled “Introduction to the Spirit of the Liturgy”, the “Spirit of the Liturgy”, of course, being the English title of the Holy Father’s famous book on that subject, written when he still was Cardinal Josef Ratzinger.
The Marini discourse touched many themes, but two of the most prominent were “continuity” and “reverence” in regard to liturgical issues. He says, “There is an urgent need to reaffirm the authentic spirit of the liturgy, such as it is present in the uninterrupted tradition of the Church, and attested, in continuity with the past, in the most recent magisterial teachings, starting with the Second Vatican Council up to the present pontificate. I purposefully used the word “continuity”, a word very dear to our present Holy Father. He has made it the only authentic criterion whereby one can correctly interpret the life of the Church, and, more specifically, the conciliar documents, including all the proposed reforms contained in them. How could it be any different? Can one truly speak of a Church of the past and a Church of the future as if some Neumannhistorical break in the body of the Church had occurred? Could anyone say that the Bride of Christ had lived without the assistance of the Holy Spirit in a particular period of the past, so that its memory should be erased and purposely forgotten? Nevertheless, at times it seems that some individuals are truly partial to that way of thinking, which is justly and properly defined as an ideology, or rather a preconceived notion applied to the history of the Church which has nothing to do with the true faith.”
Continuity
Monsignor Marini goes on to say, “An example of the fruit produced by that misleading ideology is the recurrent distinction between the pre-conciliar and post-conciliar Church. Such a manner of speaking can be legitimate, but only on condition that two Churches are not understood by it, the preconciliar Church that has nothing more to say or to give because it has been surpassed, and a second Church, the post conciliar Church, a new reality born from the Council and, by its presumed spirit, not in continuity with its past. This manner of speaking and more so of thinking must not be our own. Apart from being incorrect, it is already superseded and outdated, perhaps understandable from a historical point of view, but nonetheless connected to a season in the Church’s life that is by now concluded, over with.”
Monsignor Marini then shows how “continuity” is involved in the true spirit of the liturgy. “The authentic spirit of the liturgy does not abide when it is not approached with serenity, leaving aside all polemics with respect to the recent or remote past. The liturgy cannot and must not be an opportunity for conflict between those who find good only in that which came before us and those who, on the contrary, almost always find wrong in what came before. The only disposition which permits us to attain the authentic spirit of the liturgy, with joy and true spiritual relish, is to regard both the past and the present liturgy of the Church as one patrimony in continuous development. A spirit, accordingly, which we must receive from the Church and that is not a fruit of our own making, a spirit, I add, which leads to what is essential in the liturgy, precisely to prayer inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit, in Whom Christ continues to become present for us today to burst forth into our lives, truly the spirit of the liturgy is the liturgy of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27).”
Reverence
It is the vitally important “adoration aspect” of the sacred liturgy that, Monsignor Marini explains, should condition the absolutely necessary reverence which ought to characterize always all liturgical actions. “My Lord and my God, we have been taught to say from childhood at the moment of the consecration in Mass. In such a way, borrowing the words of the Apostle Saint Thomas (John 20:28), we are led to adore the Lord, made present and living in the species of the Holy Eucharist, uniting ourselves to Him and recognizing Him as our all. From there it becomes possible to resume our daily way, having found the correct order of life, the fundamental criterion by which to live and to die.”
“Here is the reason why everything is the liturgical act, through the nobility, the beauty, and the harmony of the exterior sign, must be conducive to adoration, to union with God. This includes the music, the singing, the periods of silence, the manner of proclaiming the Word of the Lord, and the manner of praying, the gestures employed, the liturgical vestments and the sacred vessels and other furnishings, as well as the sacred edifice in its entirety.” Pope Benedict XVI says, “The Eucharistic celebration is itself the Church’s supreme act of worship. For this reason, everything in the liturgy, and more specifically in the Eucharistic liturgy, must lead to adoration, everything in the unfolding of the rite must help one enter into the Church’s adoration of her Lord.”
Adore First
Pope Benedict XVI, cited by Monsignor Marini, says, “During the early phases of the reform, the inherent relationship between Mass and the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was not always perceived with sufficient clarity.” However, “as Saint Augustine put it: ‘No one eats that Flesh without first adoring It. Were we to eat without first adoring, we would be committing sin’. In the Eucharist the Son of God comes to meet us and desires to become one with us. Eucharistic adoration is simply the natural consequence of the Eucharistic celebration.... Receiving the Eucharist means adoring Him Whom we receive. Only in this way do we become one with Him and are given, as it were, a foretaste of the beauty of the heavenly liturgy. Everything in the Eucharistic liturgy must lead to adoration. Everything in the unfolding of the rite must help one enter into the Church’s adoration of her Lord.”
“Adoration is recognition filled with wonder, the recognition of the infinite might of God, of His incomprehensible majesty, of His love without limit which He offers us absolutely gratuitously, of His omnipotent and provident Lordship.”
All and Many
Following the loose translation technique allowed by the Holy See’s postconciliar instruction “Comme le Prevoit”, a number of approved vernacular translations of the liturgical texts of the Mass in the Roman Rite (including English) carried the “interpretative translation” of the Latin words “pro multis”, used in the consecration formula in the Mass, as “for all”, although the Latin words plainly do not say “pro omnibus” but rather say “for many”. As a matter of fact, the ICEL translation from more than thirty years ago actually said at first “for all men”, outraging a small but noisy group of feminists, who were impervious to the fact the first meaning of “man” in English dictionaries is “a human being, a member of the human race” and only the second or third meaning is “a male of the human race”. Under pressure from the ICEL group of those days who themselves were pushed by feminist extremists, the Bishops’ Conferences of the English speaking world agreed to drop the word “men” and simply say “for all”, and this was approved by the Holy See. About a third of the vernacular translations into various languages from the Latin in the Roman Rite used the words “for all”, while about two thirds of the countries used the words “for many.”
The Catholic Church has always held and taught that the term “for many”, used by our Lord in instituting the Holy Eucharist (Matthew 26:28 and Mark 14:24) was an inclusive term and truly means all human beings. The formula “for all” would undoubtedly correspond to a correct interpretation of our Lord’s intention expressed in the text. When various Sewardschismatics, heretics, and other malcontents had attacked that usage when the vernacular began to be used more frequently in the liturgy after the Second Vatican Council , the Holy See’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (January 25, 1974) authoritatively asserted the sacramental validity of the use of the words “for all”. It is a dogma of the Catholic Faith that Christ died on the cross for all men and women, although there are those who, because of their own serious misuse of their free will, do not profit from this divine salvation and mercy from God (John 11:52; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Titus 2:11; 1 John 2:2; 1 Timothy 2:4). One of the propositions of the Jansenist heresy, condemned by Pope Innocent X in 1653, was the heretics’ assertion that Christ did not die for all but only for the elect.
Back to Many
However, there are many good arguments in favor of a more precise and exact rendering of the Latin words “pro multis”. “For all” is not so much a translation as an explanation which should be left to catechetics and homiletics. At the instructions of the Pope in 2005 the Roman Congregations for the Doctrine of the Faith and for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments wrote to all the Bishops’ Conferences of the world to ask their considered opinion about the “all or many” question for the consecration formula in the Masses of the Roman Rite celebrated in the vernacular. The results of the survey were conveyed to Pope Benedict XVI, who in 2006, then decided that in all the new translations of the New Roman Missal (that of 2000) the words “for all” would be dropped and all would use the exact words “for many” in their place. Thus, when the new Missal comes into force for the English speaking countries (probably some time next year), the consecration formula will read “for many”. This is in line with the new authoritative document “Liturgiam Authenticam” which now has replaced “Comme le Prevoit”.
Reasons
The Holy See notes that the Roman Rite has never, until about 40 years ago, ever used the words “for all”. The Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church (Greek, Syriac, Slavic, Armenian, etc. all and always use “for many” and none use “for all”. The Greek word in the New Testament (“pollon”) clearly says “for many” and is plainly linked with an important Messianic passage (53:11-12) in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. This is the clear meaning too in the Gospel according to Saint Luke (12:41) and in Saint Paul (1 Corinthians 11:25).
Also, the Holy See points out that the expression “for many” remains “open to the inclusion of each human person. Yet, it reflects the true fact that this salvation is not brought about in some mechanistic way without one’s will or participation. The believer is invited to accept in faith the gift that is being offered and to receive the supernatural life that is being given to those who participate in this mystery, living it out in their lives as well so as to be numbered among “the many” to whom the text refers.”
The Holy Father, the Supreme Pontiff, has determined that “in the next one or two years” all the translations of the Mass texts of the Roman Rite into the various languages of the world will translate the Latin words “pro multis” as “for many”. This will be one of the many changes that we will note when the new Roman Missal will begin to be used in our country, and it will be helpful to have some knowledge of why this is going to happen.
The GIRM
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) says, “Because, however, the celebration of the Eucharist, like the entire liturgy, is carried out through perceptible signs that nourish, strengthen, and express faith, the utmost care must be taken to choose and to arrange those forms and elements as set forth by the Church that, in view of the circumstances of the people and place, they will more effectively foster active and full participation and more properly respond to the spiritual needs of the faithful.”
“The new Missal, therefore, while bearing witness to the Roman Church’s rule of prayer (“lex orandi”) also safeguards the deposit of faith handed down by the more recent Ecumenical Councils and marks in its own right a step of great importance in liturgical tradition. The Holy Spirit endows the People of God with a marvelous fidelity in preserving the unalterable deposit of faith, even amid a very great variety of prayers and rites.”
It is mainly in the sacred liturgy that Christ comes to us in a real and substantial way. It is in the liturgy, especially in the holy sacrifice of the Mass, that we are enabled, as Pope Benedict XVI remarks, to recognize Him and to say: ‘It is the Lord!’ (John 21:7).
How Awesome
In the ancient Mass text for the blessing, dedication, and consecration of a Catholic church building as well as the Mass text for the annual anniversary-celebration of that event, the opening words of the entrance antiphon (the “Introit”) are those spoken by the Patriarch Jacob (whose name was changed by God to Israel) recorded in the Book of Genesis (28:17): “How awesome is this place. It is the house of God and the gate of heaven.” These words, of course, are applied to the Catholic Church building.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “The worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24) of the New Covenant is not tied exclusively to any one place. The whole earth is sacred and entrusted to the children of men. What matters above all is that, when the faithful assemble in the same place, they become the living stones gathered to be built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:4-5). For the Body of the risen Christ is the spiritual temple from which the source of living water springs forth. Incorporated into Christ by the Holy Spirit, we are the temple of the living God ( 2 Corinthians 6:16).”
Yet, says the Catechism, “Christians (when they are not being persecuted) construct buildings for divine worship. These visible churches are not simply gathering places but signify and make visible the Church living in this place, the dwelling of God with men who are reconciled and united in Christ.” This is why not only the altar, but the walls of the church are anointed with sacred chrism at its consecration. A Catholic church building is “a house of prayer in which the Eucharist is celebrated and reserved, where the faithful assemble, and where there is worshipped the presence of the Son of God, our Savior, offered for us on the sacrificial altar for the help and consolation of the faithful. Therefore, this house ought to be in good taste and a worthy place for prayer and sacred ceremonial. In this house of God the truth and harmony of the signs that make it up should show Christ to be present and active in this place.”
Furnishings
The central furnishing of every Catholic church is always the altar, without which there can be no Catholic Church. It is the supreme symbol of Christ Himself. Therefore, it is anointed, kissed, incensed, clothed in beautiful linens, surrounded with lights and flowers, etc. Also, “the altar of the New Covenant is the Lord’s cross, from which the sacraments of the paschal mystery flow.” The Catholic altar is the stone of sacrifice upon which the dying and rising of Jesus are made present at every Mass. It is also “the table of the Lord to which the People of God are invited. In the liturgies of some Eastern Rites it is, as well, a symbol of the empty tomb of the risen Christ.”
The tabernacle is next in importance in Catholic churches where our Lord’s abiding presence rests for the sick and for those others who were unable to be present during Mass, as well as for the worship of His continued presence in the Eucharistic species. It should always be situated in such a way that its connection with the altar and the sacrifice of the Mass is apparent and be locked in a place that is most worthy and is of the greatest honor. The dignity of its location and its security should be such as to foster adoration before Jesus, truly present in the most Blessed Sacrament of the altar. The Catechism says, “A church must also be a space that invites us to the recollection and silent prayer that extends and internalizes the great prayer of the Eucharist.”
Other Signs
The Catechism teaches, “Finally, the church has an eschatological significance. To enter the house of God, we must cross over a threshold, which symbolizes passing from the world wounded by sin to the world of the new Life to which all men are called. The visible church is a symbol of the Father’s house toward which the People of God are journeying and where the Father will wipe every tear from their eyes (Revelation 21:4). For this reason, the Catholic Church herself is the house of all God’s children, open and welcoming.”
Pews and other accommodations for the faithful to be able to kneel, stand, or sit in the course of the liturgy or when making private visits to the church are important. However, other furnishings are usually needed too. One of these is the lecturn (ambo, pulpit, etc.). Since it is the place from which the word of God is proclaimed and from which the preaching of the Church takes place, it should have a worthiness and dignity in keeping with its high function and ought to be situated “so that the attention of the people may be easily directed toward it, during the liturgy of the word.” A church should also have a prominent chair to be used by the priest celebrant of such a type that it expresses clearly that in the liturgy the priest is the “icon of the living Christ” and exercises his office of presiding over the liturgical action and of directing and leading the prayers. The chair should also suitably be seen as associated with the chair (cathedra) of the Bishop in the diocesan Cathedral, since the priests are commissioned to stand in the Bishop’s place in those Eucharistic celebrations when he himself is not present. As Saint Ignatius of Antioch wrote, “Without the Bishop, there can be no liturgy which is licit.”
Holy Water
The Catechism notes that “The gathering of the People of God begins with Baptism. A church then must have a place for the celebration of Baptism, a baptistry, and also a place for fostering the remembrance of the baptismal promises (holy water fonts). “The blessed water is a sacramental. Touching it and making the sign of the cross with it, if done with contrition and devotion, can remit venial sins and make one less unworthy to participate in the sacred liturgy. Also the building called ‘a church’ symbolizes the People of God, called the Church. Touching the holy water upon entering the church building is meant to remind a Christian that he or she entered the Family of God, the Catholic Church, through the sacred waters of Baptism and that he or she has a lifelong responsibility to keep the vows and commitments which flow from Baptism.
The Catechism also says, “The renewal of baptismal life requires penance. A church building then must lend itself to the expression of repentance and the reception of forgiveness, which requires an appropriate place to receive penitents.” On the first Easter Sunday evening, Jesus confided to His Catholic Church the pardon for human sins which He won for humanity on the cross, and solemnly instituted the Sacrament of Reconciliation, commissioning His Apostles to give to people His own divine forgiveness (John 20:22-23). Confessionals are the usual places where this Sacrament can be properly and suitably celebrated.
Catholic churches from the grandest cathedrals and basilicas to the humblest missionary huts in the jungle truly are on earth awesome places, the houses of God, and the gates of heaven.
Ash Wednesday
Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, says, “Ash Wednesday is the liturgical door opening unto Lent. The texts chosen for the celebration of Mass on (this coming) Wednesday sketch for us, but only in outline, the structure of the entire season of Lent. The Church takes care to indicate to us the necessary orientation for Lent we should have, and she provides for us the divine assistance to make decisively and courageously the special spiritual journey which we begin each year on Ash Wednesday so that this annual trip of ours is illuminated along the way by the brilliance of Christ’s paschal mystery.”
The Successor of Saint Peter teaches, “Lent is a propitious time in which the Church invites us Christians to be more intensely aware of Christ’s redeeming work and to live our Baptism more profoundly. With its duration of forty days, Lent tries to recall some of the events that marked the life and history of ancient Israel, presenting us again its paradigmatic value. The Lenten season too is an invitation to relive with Jesus the forty days He spent in the desert praying and fasting, before undertaking His public mission. This is the authentic and central program of the Lenten season: to listen to the word of truth, to live, speak, and do the truth, to reject the lies that poison humanity and are the door to all evils. It is urgent, therefore, during these forty days, to listen again to the Gospel, the Lord’s word, the word of truth, so that in every Christian, in each one of us, the awareness will be reinforced of the truth that has been given to us, which Christ, the incarnate Word, has given to us, that we might live this truth and be witnesses to Him. Lent stimulates us to let the word of God penetrate our life and in this way to know the fundamental truths of who we are, where we come from, where we must go, and what path we must take in life. Thus, the Lenten season offers us an ascetic and liturgical journey that, helping us to open our eyes in the face of our weaknesses, makes us open our hearts to the merciful love of Christ.”
Preparation
The Supreme Pontiff remarks, ”In the forty days of preparation for Easter, we endeavor to get away from the heathenism that weighs us down, that is always driving us away from God, and we set off toward Him once again.” The Pope says that we can, if we want, find an entire program for Lent in the words written in Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Saint Paul, he notes, teaches that everything in us that is good is the work of divine grace. Yet, the Apostle to the Gentiles is also clear that a Christian must also freely adhere continuously to the supernatural life that has been gratuitously bestowed on us by God, “in accordance with the baptismal perspective which marks the Lenten season.”
“Let not sin, therefore, reign in your mortal bodies to make you obey your passions. Do not yield your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but yield yourselves to God as people who have been brought from death to life, and give your members to God as instruments of righteousness” (Romans 6:12-13). The Holy Father suggests too that we take personally the exhortation of Saint Paul we hear in the second reading in the Ash Wednesday Mass: “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God!” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
The Gospel passage proclaimed every Ash Wednesday is also of importance for us who should be resolved to take Lent seriously and sincerely each year. In it “Jesus warns us against the canker of vanity that leads to ostentation and hypocrisy, to superficiality and self-satisfaction, and He reasserts the need for us always to foster uprightness of heart in our Lenten practices. At the same time, Christ shows in those words in that Scripture pericope the principal way to grow in purity of intention, that is, by cultivating a continuous intimacy with the heavenly Father.”
Penitential Time
For some centuries, the arrangement of the order observed in the Sacrament of Reconciliation was different from what it is today in the Catholic Church. In those olden times people would examine their conscience, be sorry for their sins and transgressions, and then confess them to an authorized priest. However, then they would usually receive their penance to do, only returning afterwards to receive absolution after completing their penance. The penances imposed in those days were often lengthy and more severe than the token and symbolic penances that are usual today. Even when this arrangement of the order for Confession changed to what is more familiar to us today, the penances continued for many years to be rather lengthy and severe. This is why the custom arose in many places for the faithful to go for their Easter confession in the period before Lent began, which was called “Shrovetide”, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday being called “Shrove Tuesday”. Then, the penitents would use the fasts, almsgiving, and extra prayer time designated in Lent to carry out the penances imposed on them.
Even now Lent provides Christians with a grace-filled opportunity to make reparation to God for the damage, visible or invisible, material or spiritual, to oneself or to others, that may have been done by our sins, damage that needs to be repaired, either in this life or in purgatory, even though our sins which caused the damage may have been absolved and we are forgiven for them. A fresh awareness of sin and its baleful effects in our personal lives and in our culture and in larger society, of its residual and destructive force, as well as for the urgent need to oppose and eliminate it, should be one of the great spiritual benefits that could be obtained from a devout and persevering practice of Lenten mortification and self-denial. This should, of course, be balanced by an emphasis on the love God has for humanity despite its sinful condition and by our special Lenten meditations and reflections on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, our divine Lord, for our salvation.
Not Forty-Six
Although there are forty-six days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, Sundays have never been counted as days of Lent, since every Sunday, even if in Lent, is considered a celebration of the Lord’s resurrection in some way, and thus sorrow and penance are excluded. Pope Clement XIII wrote that Bishops should see to it that the faithful observe the holy fast of Lent, because this is recommended by the law and the prophets, consecrated by the practice the Lord Jesus Himself (Matthew 4:2) and handed down to the Church by the Apostles (Mark 2:18-20; Acts of the Apostles 14:22). In Lent we are called to walk together with Christ through His fasting toward His cross and resurrection. These days, says Peter Celano, are the fullest expression of what it means to be a disciple, a follower, of Jesus.
Temptation Comes to All
The biblical Book of Ben Sirach (also called “Ecclesiasticus”) says at the beginning of its second chapter: “My son, if you intend to serve God, prepare your soul for temptation” (Sirach 2:1). The great, learned, and holy Bishop, Saint Francis de Sales, preaching on the First Sunday of Lent, (when the liturgy always uses a Gospel passage about Christ’s temptations after His fast of forty days and nights in the desert), notes that this biblical verse proclaims the infallible truth that no one who has truly resolved to serve God is exempt from temptation. “This being the case, our Lord Himself chose to be subjected to temptation in order to show us how we ought to resist it” (Matthew 4:1; Mark 1:12; Luke 4:1).
However, Saint Francis de Sales points out that, although all Christians are subject to temptation, still no one may morally “seek it out and go of his own accord to the place where it may be found, since that same Book of Ben Sirach warns that “He who loves danger will perish in it” (3:27). Jesus Himself, in His human nature, was tempted not by His own choice, but by the action of the Holy Spirit, to which He submitted in obedience to His heavenly Father. Pope Saint Leo the Great said that “because of the frailty of human nature and the manifold attention demanded by the concerns of this life, even the hearts of the saintly become tainted with the dust of this world. Therefore, dearly beloved, the kindly providence of God has provided us a holy retreat of forty days (the Lenten season) during which we are to regain purity of soul and by pious works and chastening fasts blot away and atone for the sins of Cathedralother times.” Lent is the time to arm ourselves spiritually for the battles against temptation we are inevitably to encounter (Ephesians 6:10-17).
Saint Francis de Sales reminds his listeners that “it is a very necessary practice to prepare our soul for temptation. Wherever we may be and however perfect we may be, we must rest assured that temptation sooner or later will attack us, and perhaps persistently and relentlessly do so. Hence, we ought to be so disposed as to provide ourselves with the weapons necessary to fight valiantly in order to carry off the victory, since the crown of a heavenly triumph is reserved for the brave combatants who, with the help of divine grace, will conquer (2 Timothy 2:5; James 1:12). In this matter we should consider the weapons which our Lord made use of to repulse the Devil who came to tempt Him in the desert.”
Catechism
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the temptations of Jesus in the desert “recapitulate the temptations of Adam in Paradise and of Israel in the desert... The Evangelists indicate the salvific meaning of this mysterious event: Jesus is the new Adam Who remained faithful just where the first Adam had given in to temptation. Jesus fulfills Israel’s vocation perfectly. In contrast to those who had once provoked God during forty years in the desert, Christ reveals Himself as God’s Servant, totally obedient to the divine will. In this Jesus is the Devil’s Conqueror. He binds the strong man to take back his plunder (Psalm 95:10; Mark 3:27). Jesus’ victory over the Tempter in the desert anticipates His victory at His passion, the supreme act of obedience in His filial love for the Father.”
The Catechism goes on to say, “Jesus’ temptation reveals the way in which the Son of God is the Messiah, contrary to the way Satan proposes to Him and the way men wish to attribute to Him. This is why Christ vanquished the Tempter for us (Hebrews 4:15). By the solemn forty days of Lent, the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert.”
Resistence
The traditional Lenten triad of more intense prayer, personal mortification, and generous charity to others, which the Church perennially sets out as the pre-Easter program for all her children, are the effective and well-tried means to put on anew truth, justice, Gospel doctrine, faith, and all that equipment that Saint Paul (Ephesians 6:10-17) indicates is necessary for the soldiers of Christ to don for the struggle against temptation, which comes, of course, from our fallen human nature (the flesh), our sin-filled surroundings (the world), and the fiendish archenemy of our true happiness (the Devil).
The Catechism relates, “Whoever wants to remain faithful to his baptismal promises and resist temptations will want to adopt the means for doing so: self-knowledge, the practice of an ascesis (self-denial) adapted to the situations that confront him, obedience to God’s commandments, exercise of the moral virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance), and fidelity to prayer..... Self mastery is a long and exacting work. One can never consider it acquired once and for all. It presupposes renewed effort at all stages of life.” The days of Lent are the ideal time for us to renew our baptismal vows, promises, and commitments.
Baptism Season
It is during Lent that, following centuries of traditional practice, catechumens and candidates are catechetically prepared for Baptism and-or for entrance into the Catholic Church. One of the most important intentions for which the faithful should pray during this season is for those “elect”, who, by our prayer, should be helped into the loving embrace of Christ and His Bride.
At the same time, we must always remember that for us who have already been baptized, Lent, in the words of Father Pius Parsch, is also the period for a second Baptism, the Baptism of penance, the time for interior purification. By prayer, fasting, and almsgiving God should be beseeched to send His grace upon us so that we might, at Easter, have been restored once again to our baptismal innocence. In the baptismal water used to bless us at the Solemn Easter Vigil and on Easter Sunday itself we should be able to see again in full splendor that participation in the very nature of God, which is His sanctifying grace in our souls (2 Peter 1:4). At the great Easter proclamation sung at the Great Vigil on Holy Saturday evening, the Lenten observances that we will conclude will assist us to understand better and put into our lives what we hear: “It profits us nothing to be born if we are not saved. Father, how wonderful Your care for us! How boundless Your merciful love! To ransom a slave, You gave away Your Son! O happy fault! O necessary sin of Adam which gained for us so great a Redeemer!”
Transfiguration
In the year 1457, a large Christian army, led and inspired by Saint John of Capistrano, achieved a great victory at Belgrade in the Balkans over an even larger Muslim horde, which was determined, as had many previous Islamic armies, to conquer Europe for the religion of Islam and to kill and enslave all Christians. The Muslim Religion, of course, considers Christians, Jews, and other non-Muslims to be “wicked infidels”. To commemorate the Christian victory, Pope Callistus III instituted for the liturgical calendar of the Universal Church on August 6th, each year (the victory date), a feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, a feast that already was being celebrated locally since the fifth centuries in various places. Pope Callistus made it clear, however, that he did not intend by this undertaking to supersede or override the ancient commemoration of Christ’s transfiguration which had been and continues to be traditionally remembered on the Second Sunday of Lent in the Latin Rite.
A liturgical remembrance of the transfiguration during the first part of Lent was probably made in the Church from the earliest times for two principal reasons. All three synoptic accounts of the event (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:1-7; Luke 9:26-36) relate how, immediately after the transfiguration, Jesus, coming down from the mountain, encountered His disciples who found themselves incapable of exorcising an epileptic boy ( Luke 9:37-44; Mark 9:13-26; Matthew 17:9:14-15). After our Lord Himself did so, he explained to the Apostles that certain devils could only be cast out “by prayer and fasting” and by persons of profound faith (Matthew 17:18-20; Mark 9:27-28). This exhortation was always seen as a beautiful synopsis of an appropriate Christian Lenten program.
The second reason is that the transfiguration is easily seen as Christ’s preparing the Apostles for the coming scandal of the cross. Both before and after the transfiguration event our Savior spoke to his Apostles predicting His coming passion, death, and resurrection, to their great consternation and perplexity (Matthew 16:21-28; Luke 9:44-45; Mark 9:29-31). Thus, recounting the transfiguration helps prepare Christ’s present day disciples for their crosses of penance to be carried in the Lenten season.
Mountain Meaning
In the New Testament Gospel narratives we can notice seven significant mountains which are mentioned by the Evangelists in connection with the life of Jesus. It always has been maintained by Catholic biblical commentators that the mention of these mountains and their association with various special events ( the mountain of temptation, the mountain of the sermon, the mountain of prayer, the mountain of the transfiguration, the mountain of anxiety, the mountain of the crucifixion, and the mountain of the ascension) was not simply some realistic geographic information being provided to the Bible reader, but has an important and deeply spiritual significance as well.
In the first volume of his great work, “Jesus of Nazareth”, our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, in his treatment of the transfiguration, comments on this matter, noting that “in the background” of the “high mountain” (Mark 9:2) of the transfiguration, “we also catch sight of Sinai, Horeb, and Moriah, the mountains of Old Testament revelation. They are all at one and the same time mountains of passion and of revelation..” The Pope also remarks that our Lord’s taking Peter, James, and John with Him for the transfiguration foreshadowed His later taking the same three with Him into the Garden of Olives (Mark 14:33), inextricably linking these events, and all of this in turn was foreshadowed much earlier in the Old Covenant by Moses climbing a mountain in company with Aaron, Nadob, and Abihu (Exodus 24).
The Holy Father writes, “When we inquire into the meaning of the mountain, the first point, of course, is the general background of mountain symbolism. The mountain is the place of ascent not only outward, but also inward ascent. It is a liberation from the burden of everyday life, a breathing in of the pure air of creation. It offers a view of the broad expanse of creation and its beauty. It gives one an inner peak to stand on and an intuitive sense of the Creator. History then adds to all this the experience of the God Who speaks, and the experience of the passion, culminating in the sacrifice of Isaac, in the sacrifice of the lamb that points ahead to the definitive Lamb sacrificed on Mount Calvary. Moses and Elijah were privileged (in the Old Testament) to receive God’s revelation on a mountain. Now (at the Transfiguration of Jesus) they are conversing with the One Who is God’s Revelation in Person.”
Prayer Event
Pope Benedict XVI writes, “Luke is the only one of the Evangelists who begins his account (of the transfiguration) by indicating the purpose of Jesus’ ascent. He went up the mountain to pray (Luke 9:28). It is in the context of prayer that Luke now explains the event that the three disciples are to witness. “And as He was praying, the appearance of His face altered, and His clothing became dazzling white” (Luke 9:29). The transfiguration is a prayer event. It displays what happens when Jesus talks with His Father, the profound interpenetration of His Being with God, which then becomes pure Light. In His oneness with His Father, Jesus is Himself “Light from Light”. The reality that He is in the deepest core of His Being, which Peter tried to express in his confession, that reality becomes perceptible to the senses at this moment. Jesus’ Being in the Light of God shows His own divine Being in Light as the Son.”
The Holy Father, writing about the appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus at the transfiguration event, mentions that what the risen Lord will later explain to the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:27) is seen here in visible form.
The Law and the Prophets speak with Jesus and speak about Jesus. “Only Luke tells us, at least in a brief allusion, what God’s two great witnesses were talking about with Jesus. They appeared in glory and spoke of His exodus (departure) which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). Their topic of conversation was the cross, but understood in an inclusive sense as Jesus’ exodus, which had to take place in Jerusalem. Jesus’ cross is an exodus, a departure from this life, a passage through the Red Sea of the passion, and a transition into glory, glory, however, that forever bears the marks of Jesus wounds” (John 20:27).
The Cloud
The climax, so to speak, of the event of the miraculous transfiguration of the Lord was the enveloping cloud (Mark 9:11) from which God’s voice was heard instructing the Apostles to “listen to Him”, which follows “the solemn proclamation by the Father of Christ’s divine Sonship.” As the Pope observes, “This one command brings the theophany to its conclusion and sums up its deepest meaning. The disciples must accompany Jesus back down the mountain and learn ever anew to listen to Him.” This is our lesson too, renewed annually each Lent.
Need a Savior
One of the many benefits of our annual spiritual journey of Lent should be a renewed sense of humanity’s need for a Savior, along with our own personal conviction of that absolute necessity in our life in order to fulfill our purpose for existing, and so that we might in the end achieve ultimate and long lasting happiness. Lent can and should bring us back from the peril of what Archbishop Charles Chaput, the Archbishop of Denver wrote in his recent outstanding book, “Render unto Caesar”: “By our actions many of us witness a kind of practical atheism, paying lip service to God, but living as if He didn’t exist. Many of us don’t really believe we need a Savior. In fact, we don’t see anything we need to be saved from.”
The good Archbishop then quotes Father John Hugo: “Even in the case of those who are wholly faithful to the external obligations of religion, there is often little evidence, apart from their devotions, that they are living Christian lives. Large areas of their lives are wholly unilluminated by their faith. Their ideas, their attitudes, their views on current affairs, their pleasure and recreations, their tastes in reading and entertainment, their love of luxury, comfort and bodily ease, their devotion to success, their desire for money, their social snobbishness, racial consciousness, nationalistic narrowness, and prejudice, their bourgeois complacency and contempt for the poor...in all these things they are indistinguishable from the huge sickly mass of paganism that surrounds them.”
Wounded
Our Catholic faith teaches us that, because of Adam’s sin and our own sins, our fallen human nature is seriously wounded and the entire natural order of things has become subject to perversion and turbulence. Unlike the original false doctrine of primitive Protestantism, Catholic truth maintains that our human nature is wounded by original sin but not completely and hopelessly corrupt. Nevertheless, the wounds from sin found in every human soul are spiritually fatal unless we receive desperately and essentially needed supernatural help from God in order to be saved. Saint Augustine, in this context, often spoke of the whole human race as a “massa damnata” (a horde of people destined for damnation) before Christ intervened to save mankind. And, this salvation from our Lord is an utterly gratuitous and undeserved gift. God never owes us anything, but we owe Him everything.
In next Sunday’s Gospel passage, Jesus vividly tells us in parable form how close we all had come to eternal destruction. He speaks of God the Father as an orchard Owner Who finds no fruit on a fig tree that He planted in His garden and therefore orders it to be cut down and burned. Our Lord then depicts Himself as a pleading Gardener Who begs the Owner to permit the tree to live for at least for another year, promising to cultivate the ground around it and manure it. If it does not respond to this treatment, this last chance, and bear fruit, however, the Gardener tells the Owner that then, after that last try, He could cut down that tree and destroy it (Luke 13:6-9). Our Lord also reminds us about our vital need to cooperate with that Gardener, taking His advice seriously always, but especially in Lent: “If you do not repent, you will all perish…”(Luke 13:5).
Angry God
Without that divine Gardener pleading for us and providing us by His saving death and resurrection a possibility for our eternal happiness, our ultimate fate would be horribly and everlastingly dismal instead. The possibility of such a fate is described in what is one of the most famous New England sermons, preached in the 18th century by the Puritan divine, Jonathan Edwards, entitled: “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”.
“God holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked. His wrath towards you burns like fire. He looks upon you as worthy of nothing else but to cast into the fire. He is of purer eyes than to bear to have you in His sight. You are ten thousand times more abominable in His eyes than the most hateful venomous serpent is in ours. You have offended Him infinitely more than ever a stubborn rebel did his prince, and yet it is nothing but His hand that holds you from falling into the fire at any moment.”
“O sinner! Consider the fearful danger you are in. It is a great furnace of wrath that you are held over in the hand of that God, Whose wrath is provoked and incensed as much against you as against any of the damned in hell. You hang by a slender thread, with the flames of divine wrath flashing about it, and ready every moment to singe it and burn it asunder And, you have.....nothing to lay hold of to save yourself, nothing to keep off the flames of wrath, nothing of your own, nothing that you have ever done, nothing that you can do to induce God to spare you even one moment.”
Filling In
Jesus, the visibility of God’s unlimited kindness and generosity to our human family, not only keeps God’s wrath from damning us all eternally by His pleading, (much as Moses did for the Chosen People of the Old Covenant in the anthropomorphic description found in the Book of Exodus 32:11-14), but Christ voluntarily and obediently (Philippians 2:5-11) substitutes Himself for us in His human nature, accepting, although utterly innocent, the just punishment sinful humanity deserves: “....Who Himself bore our sins in His Body upon the tree, that we, having died to sin, might live to justice, and by His stripes you were healed...”(1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:4-10).
Saint Luke, who tells about that sympathetic divine Gardener, also tells us about how, when, after our sins had tortured and crucified Him, He still continued to plead for us in that terrible moment on Golgotha with His first words from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”(Luke 23:34). Lent is preeminently the season to remember vividly our need for a Savior. We human beings cannot save ourselves, but we must cooperate with God’s grace, reaching up and taking and keeping in our souls the redemption and salvation Jesus provides for us. It is the time to recall how He thought of us as He died, and how at least we must think of Him with unfettered gratitude and show this in our Lenten practices of more devout prayer, self-denial and penance, charity to the poor and to the Church.
Prodigal Return
In the Gospel passage for Mass next Sunday (Cycle C in the Lectionary) we shall hear again the beautiful parable of Jesus about the prodigal son, (Luke 15:1-32), about the evil lifestyle and life of dissipation the son had at first adopted, and then about his repentance, his return to his senses and then to his home, his experience of the forgiveness of the father that he sorely offended, and about the efforts of that loving father to have his elder son join him in giving pardon to the wayward brother. The parable follows two other parables of Jesus recounted previously in that chapter by Saint Luke, about the lost sheep and the lost coin, and both parables ending with similar sayings of our Lord: ....“there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-just who have not need of repentance”(15:7); “Even so I say to you there will be joy among the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (15:10). Those sayings are an important leitmotif for every Lent.
Lent is the special time of the year when sinners, which, of course, includes all of us (I John 1:8), are urged by God’s grace to be again like the prodigal son, who “came to himself” and then “arose and went to his father”. Acknowledging our sinfulness in thought, word, deed, and omission, and returning anew to God our Father, so that at our celebration of our Savior’s resurrection on Easter we might again be spiritually clothed in the festive robe, ring, and sandals of our baptismal innocence, is what should be the culmination of our careful observance of this beautiful time of the year.
Saint Luke, in his Gospel account, seems to have gone out of his way to recount our LincolnLord’s concern for the salvation of repentant sinners. The parable of the prodigal son, for instance, appears to foreshadow the forgiveness and promise made by Jesus to the Good Thief, Saint Dismas, which is recounted later by Saint Luke in his narrative of Christ’s passion (Luke 23:39-43).
Second Word
Many splendid meditations have been written and spoken over the centuries about the seven last sayings (sometimes called “words”) of Jesus from the cross. One of these sets of meditations, done by Father Robert Hugh Benson, and speaking about the “second word” of our Redeemer from His cross (Luke 23:43), makes it easier to see how the forgiveness and promise of Jesus in that “word” could be related to the parable of the prodigal son.
‘The screams and blasphemies of the two tortured thieves have died to moans and the moans to the silence of exhaustion. In that silence the grace of God and the habits of the past have been at work together. The one thief is absorbed in his own pain...the other is aware that there is something in the universe besides his own pain, that his pain is not the beginning and the end of all things. He caught glimpses of Another who hangs in their midst. His friend has seen Him too but has seen His patience only as a reproach to his own torment: “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us too.” Yet this other thief sees more than a failure and a tragedy. He has heard, maybe, that first “word”(Father forgive them...) groaned out as the nails went through...”
Grace
“Grace has been at work in its mysterious operation.... that darkened mind (of the thief who at first had joined in the chorus of blasphemy) began to catch glimpses... facts and truth the cultivated Pharisees overlooked: that the criminal was not wholly a criminal, that the thorns were not wholly a mockery, that the title above the cross was something besides a sneer. At least we know that the thief spoke at last-a greater miracle than Balaam’s ass- that a murderer recognized the Lord of life, that a liar spoke the truth, that an outlaw submitted to a King: Lord remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
“He asks, therefore, for the least thing for which he could ask, that a King Who will someday enter into a kingdom will not wholly forget that there is such a creature as Dismas, who once suffered at His side. He no longer doubts-if You are the Christ-but he calls Him Lord outright and one day, whenever that may be, begs to be remembered! Forget not that I exist. Remember me when Your supreme achievement of love has been wrought and human nature has been made conformable to the divine. Dear Jesus, remember me and, in that day, be to me not a Judge but a Savior!”
“And then, upon the thief turning and speaking (his two good works, cooperating with grace), the miracle happens, the same miracle which always happens when a soul begins with shame to take the lower place and be a humble servant..he is changed to a friend: Friend, go up higher... I will no longer call you servants but friends...He, Jesus, is the One, Whom to serve is to reign, Whose service is perfect freedom: Today you will be with Me in paradise!’
“Oh! this friendship of Jesus for the penitent! Just now there were three of Christ’s intimates round His cross: the Immaculate Mary and the stainless Disciple whom Jesus loved, upon the one side, with the purified, weeping Magdalene upon the other. Now the quaternion of His lovers is complete, for the broken-hearted thief has joined them, he who desired to serve and therefore merited to reign. Now he too is in paradise!”
Sinners’ Special
Whether our sins are slight or grievous, few or many, recent or long-standing, the holy season of Lent has been historically and liturgically designed for sinful penitents like us. Inspired by the history of the Good Thief and by the parable of the prodigal son, we can easily remember the words of Saint Joseph Cafasso: Jesus is a Friend Who will not terrify you, Who will not abandon you. Hope in Him and heaven is yours.” On the first Easter Sunday night, Christ gave the forgiveness of sins that He merited on the cross for all of humanity into the keeping of His Catholic Church to distribute down the centuries (John 20:22-23), until He comes again. Thus, Saint Isidore said, “Confession heals, confession justifies, confession grants pardon for sins. In confession there is always a chance for mercy.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “Christ instituted this sacrament for all the sinful members of His Church.... it goes by the names sacrament of conversion, sacrament of penance, sacrament of confession, sacrament of pardon, sacrament of reconciliation.” By means of it our heavenly and forgiving Father enables us to get back to our home awaiting us in heaven, where there will be dancing, and music, and laughter, and feasting forever.
The Cross
The last two weeks before Easter, that is, Holy Week and the week before, traditionally and liturgically have been called “passiontide”, a period of time when devout Christians, putting aside to a large extent their worldly distractions, try to give as much attention and time as possible to the greatest event in all of human history, the salvation and redemption of our human race wrought by the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Consideration of and meditation on Christ’s passion, of course, cannot be done without the word and thought of “the cross” being brought to the fore from its deep engravement on the heart and in the imagination of Jesus’ fervent and true disciples.
Saint Paul wrote, “But as for me, God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom the world is crucified to me and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14). He wrote about Jesus, “He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). The Apostle to the Gentiles said, “The doctrine of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God. We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and an absurdity to the Greeks, but to those who are called, Jews and Gentiles alike, Christ, the Power of God and the Wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18-24).
The cross always looms large in Saint Paul’s writings, as it must have done in all his preaching. He told the Colossians, for instance, “And you, when you were dead by reason of your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He (Jesus) brought you to life along with Him, forgiving you all your sins, cancelling the decree against us which was hostile to us. Indeed, He snatched it away completely, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13-14).
Fathers & Doctors
The Fathers and Doctors of the Church always have made the theme of the cross the centerpiece of much of their preaching and writing. Saint Andrew of Crete said, “Had there been no cross, Life itself could not have been nailed to the tree. And, if Life had not been nailed to it, there would be no streams of immortality pouring from Christ’s side, blood and water for the world’s cleansing. The legal bond of our sin would not be cancelled; we should not have obtained our freedom; we should not have enjoyed the fruits of the tree of life and the gates of paradise would not stand open. Had there been no cross, death would not have been trodden underfoot, nor hell despoiled. Therefore, the cross is something wonderfully great and honorable. It is great because through the cross the many noble acts of Christ found their consummation, very many indeed, for both His miracles and His sufferings were fully rewarded with victory. The cross is honorable because it is both the sign of God’s suffering and the trophy of His victory....it was the means by which the Devil was wounded and death conquered. The cross is called Christ’s glory. It is saluted as His triumph.”
Saint John Chrysostom proclaimed, “Impress this sign upon your hearts, therefore, and embrace this cross to which we owe the salvation of our souls. It is indeed the cross that has saved and converted the entire world, banished error, reestablished truth, made the earth into heaven, and made men into angels. Thanks to the cross, demons have ceased to be so much cause for fear and have become detestable, and dying is no longer death but sleep. Through the cross everything that has fought against us has been knocked to the ground and trampled over. So, if someone asks you whether you adore a Man Who was crucified, respond with a clear voice and a joyful mien: Yes, I adore Him and I will never cease adoring Him.”
Pope Saint Leo the Great remarked, “Thus, when our Lord was carrying the wood of the cross, wood that He later turned into a scepter of power, it seemed greatly degrading to the eyes of unbelievers, but it appeared as a wonderful mystery to believers, because the glorious Victor over the Devil and the Conqueror of the forces of hell was carrying the beautifully symbolic trophy of His triumph. And, on His shoulders with tireless patience, He displayed the sign of salvation so that all would adore it, almost as though He were trying to encourage all of His followers from that very moment. O marvelous power of the cross! O ineffable glory of the passion! In it we find the tribunal of the Lord, the judgment on the world, and the kingdom of the Crucified One.
Liturgical Words
With lovely and ancient words, the sacred liturgy, especially in the weeks before our Easter celebration of the resurrection of our Savior from the dead, extols the cross of Christ. “O faithful cross, most beautiful among the trees. No forest has ever produced such a leaf and flower and fruit as this! How sweet the wood and sweet the nails and sweet the burden they sustain! You are higher than all the cedar trees of Lebanon.” “By a tree we were brought into bondage in Eden, but by the tree of the holy cross on Mount Calvary we have been set free. The fruit of the tree in the garden seduced us. By the fruit of the tree of the cross, the Son of God has redeemed us!”
“We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world!” When the cross, the pledge of our redemption, is raised on high, our faith in Christ is confirmed and divine prodigies occur, foreshadowed by the rod of Moses and the serpent of bronze (Numbers 21:6-9). “O holy cross, you are our only hope!” “O great work of Love Himself! Death itself died when Life died on that tree!”
On top of the gigantic obelisk that now stands in the middle of Saint Peter’s Square in Rome, is a gold-plated hollow bronze cross containing a large piece (relic) of the true cross. Underneath these words are carved on one side of the marble base: “Behold the cross of Christ! Flee all you His enemies for the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David has conquered.” On the other side of the base are carved the words now used by Vatican Radio and Television as their call letters: “Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat!” (“Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ rules!”)
Saint Therese of Lisieux said, “Look at Jesus on the cross. See His adorable face, His glazed and sunken eyes, His wounds. There you see how He loves us!” Saint Rose of Lima said, apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may go to heaven.” Thomas a’Kempis wrote: “In the cross is salvation, peace, life, protection, heavenly sweetness, wisdom, and spiritual joy.”
Greatest Week
Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, says, “Holy Week, which for Christians is the most important week of the year, gives us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the central events of the redemption, to relive the paschal mystery, the great mystery of faith. How marvelous and at the same time surprising this mystery is! We can never sufficiently meditate on this reality.” Holy Week, which begins with Palm Sunday, “helps us to meditate more vividly on the passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord, especially during the sacred Triduum of Easter, the cornerstone of the entire liturgical year.”
On each Palm Sunday, we remember that “at the gates of Jerusalem, when Jesus sat upright on a donkey, an animal symbolizing the Davidic kingship, there spontaneously arose among the pilgrims, (who were going up to Jerusalem for the Jewish celebration of the annual Passover Feast), the joyful conviction: This is He, the Son of David!” (Mark 11: 9-10). “We do not know exactly what the enthusiastic pilgrims imagined that the coming kingdom of David would be like.” However, on Palm Sunday, the Pope says, we must ask ourselves, “What about us? Have we truly understood the message of Jesus, the Son of David? Have we grasped what He means by His kingdom of which He speaks during His interrogation by Pilate? (John 18:33-37) Do we understand what it means to say that His kingdom is not of this world? Or would we actually prefer that it were of this world?”
Chrism Mass
The Sovereign Pontiff says, “The prelude to the sacred Triduum consists of the evocative rites of the Solemn Chrism Mass, which the Bishop celebrates with his priests, during which their priestly promises, made on the day of their ordination, are renewed, a gesture of great value, an especially favorable opportunity for priests to reaffirm their personal fidelity to Christ, Who has chosen them to be His ministers.” Holy Thursday, after all, when Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist, was also the occasion when He instituted the Sacrament of Holy Orders, ordaining His Apostles as the first Catholic priests. It is the Sacrament of Holy Orders that, in the providence of God, alone makes possible the Sacrament and Sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist.
“During the Chrism Mass the oil of the sick and the oil of catechumens will be blessed and the sacred Chrism will be consecrated. These are rites that symbolically signify the fullness of Christ’s priesthood and that ecclesial communion which must always inspire the Christian people who are gathered for the Eucharistic sacrifice and enlivened in their unity by the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Lord’s Supper
On Holy Thursday, in the Solemn Liturgy we hear, from Saint Paul’s writing, the oldest account we have of what happened in the Upper Room on the vigil of the Lord’s passion (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). The Pope remarks that our special liturgy on Holy Thursday “constitutes a renewed invitation to give thanks to God for the supreme Gift of the Eucharist and to receive the Body and Blood of our Savior with particular devotion and then to adore His sacramental presence with living faith. For this reason the Church encourages the faithful to keep vigil in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament after the celebration of the Holy Thursday Mass, to recall the sorrowful hour that Jesus spent in Gethsemane before being arrested and then sentenced to death.”
In the ceremonies of Holy Thursday, we are reminded too “that the Lord of the world comes to us and undertakes the slave’s task of foot-washing. God, Who is absolute power, kneels before us to exalt us. The mystery of the greatness of God is seen precisely in the fact that He can be small.”
Friday Called Good
“Every year on Good Friday, standing before the image of Jesus hanging on the wood of the cross, we feel how full of love are His very words” and even more His saving deeds, in contrast to the wickedness, ugliness, selfishness, and horror of our own sins and those of the world, which He created and now dies to save! “The mystery eludes reason. We are placed before a thing which, humanly-speaking, may appear senseless. God, Who is not only a Man with all the needs of a man, not only suffers to save men, taking upon Himself the whole tragedy of humanity, but also actually dies for mankind. Christ’s death recalls the accumulation of sorrows and evils that weigh upon the humanity of every age, the crushing weight of death, the hatred, the violence, the blood!”
“If Good Friday is a day full of sorrow, it is also at the same time a propitious time to reawaken our faith and to consolidate our hope and courage so that each one of us can carry our crosses with humility, trust, and abandonment to God, certain of His support and of His ultimate and inevitable victory. The liturgy of Good Friday each year proclaims: Hail holy cross! Our only hope!” In that liturgy we see Christ once more as the paschal Lamb of the New Testament, Whose blood on the doorposts of our souls causes the angel of death to “pass over “ us so we can live eternally in joy and be happy one day forever.
Holy Saturday
“The recollection and silence of Holy Saturday will usher us into the night of the Easter Vigil, “the mother of all vigils”, when the hymn of joy in Christ’s resurrection will burst forth once more in all our churches and communities. Once again, the victory of light over darkness, of life over death will be proclaimed, and the Catholic Church will rejoice in her renewed encounter with her risen Lord.” The new fire of Easter, struck from flint or kindled from the sun by a crystal, “is a symbol of what we celebrate in that vigil. Through His radical love for us, in which the heart of God and the heart of Man touched, Jesus Christ truly took light from heaven and brought it to earth, the light of truth and the fire of love that transform man’s being. Thus, we can now know Who God is and what He is like!”
The Holy Father says, “Dear brothers and sisters, let us prepare to live the holy Triduum intensely in order to share ever more deeply in the mystery of Christ. We are accompanied in this itinerary by the Blessed Virgin, who silently followed her Son, Jesus, to Calvary, taking part with deep sorrow in His sacrifice and thus cooperating in the mystery of redemption and so becoming the mother of all believers (John 19:25-27). Together with her we shall enter the Upper Room, we shall remain at the foot of the cross, and we shall watch in spirit beside our dead Christ, waiting with hope for the dawn of the radiant day of the resurrection!”
Restoration
The greatest, most beautiful, and most important night of the year liturgically has always been the night of the “mother of all sacred vigils”. There are documents from the middle of the first century (140 A.D.) that tell us that the sacred night from Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday was already at that time universally observed by Christians as an ancient tradition. The Easter Vigil was praised by such Church Fathers as Saint Augustine (354-430 A.D.), Saint Paulinus of Nola (353-431 A.D.), and Saint Jerome (343-420 A.D.). Saint Asterius of Amasea said of it: “O night brighter than day; O night brighter than the sun; O night whiter than snow; O night more brilliant than torches; O night more delightful than paradise; O night which knows not darkness: O night which banishes sleep; O night in which we keep vigil with angels; O night terror of demons; O night most desirable of all the year; O night mother of the newly baptized; O night when the devil was stripped; O night in which the Inheritor brought the beneficiaries into their inheritance, an inheritance without end.” The night for Christians is always associated with the hour of the Bridegroom’s arrival in the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).
For various reasons the vigil and its ceremonies gradually were moved up earlier over the centuries, until they become generally held on the morning of Holy Saturday. However, Pope Pius XII, in 1951, allowed Bishops, at their discretion, to restore the ancient vigil to its olden position of being held at night. Then this arrangement subsequently was made permanent, universal, and obligatory by that Pope in 1955. The vigil itself consists of four basic elements: a service of light, a service of the word, a service of Baptism, and a service of the Holy Eucharist.
Light
The early Christians often held nighttime vigils, especially on Saturdays into Sundays. These almost always were initiated by a “lucernarium”, a lengthy time when torches and candles were held and set along the walls and hung from the ceiling, while passages from Sacred Scripture were read, psalms were sung, and prayers were recited, the whole activity culminating in the offering of the Sacrifice of the Mass. This practice resonated for them with many parts of the Old Testament (Exodus 27:20-21; 30:1-8; Zechariah 14:6-7). They also saw in the dawning of the sun in the east on Sunday morning, the supreme symbol of Christ’s eventual return to earth (Matthew 24:27), as they saw this happening symbolically and really in the Eucharist Itself.
Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, speaking of the “candelora” or “lucinaria” of the Easter Vigil says, “As we wait in the night dark church for the Easter light to be struck, we should experience the consoling realization that God is fully aware of the night by which we are surrounded. In fact, He has already struck His light at the heart of it. The night enables us to appreciate what the light really is. It is brightness or luminousness that enables us to see, that shows the way and gives direction, that helps us to know both others and ourselves.” Caryll Houselander wrote, “Light warms, it heals, it penetrates, it gives life, it gives color and beauty to everything that it touches. It is the light of the sun that renews the earth. It is light that guides ships to safety through deep seas; it is light from the window of our home that welcomes us from afar. It is Jesus Christ Who calls us to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), and to reflect Him Who calls Himself the world’s Light (John 8:12).
Victory
The Pope notes that, “on Easter the symbolism of light fuses with the symbolism of night...The Church uses the interplay of night and light to show in a symbolic manner..the victorious entry of God into the world....On Easter the drama reaches its central act and climax. The darkness has used its ultimate weapon, death, but the resurrection effects the great reversal. Light has won the victory and now lives unconquerably. It has made a bit of the world its own and transformed into itself. Of course, this is not the end of the drama. The end is still awaited. It will arrive with the Second Coming of the Lord. At present the light continues, but it is a night in which the light has been lit. When the Lord comes again, a day will dawn that will last forever.”
The Bishop of Rome remarks that in the service of light at the beginning of the Easter Vigil, “we are not only celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, but we are also being given a distant glimpse of the Second Coming of the Lord, Whom we are advancing to meet with lamps lit. Something of the joy that marks a wedding should be ours on this night so bright with candles. The world is indeed dark, but even a single candle suffices to bring light into the deepest darkness. Did not God give us a candle at our Baptism and the means of lighting it? We must be courageous enough to light the candle of our patience, our trust, our love. Instead of bewailing the night, we must light the little lamp that God has loaned us. The Light of Christ! Thanks be to God!”
Easter Message
Not only during the Easter Vigil, but at the Mass on Easter Day we should keep in mind the fact that “the resurrection of Jesus gives us the certainty that God exists and that, as the Father of Jesus Christ, He is a God for human beings. The resurrection of Jesus is the definitive theophany and the triumphant answer to the question of which really reigns, death or life. God exists and that is the real message of Easter. Anyone who grasps what this means also knows what it means to be redeemed. He knows why in her prayers on the blessed day of Easter, the Church sings endless Alleluias, thus giving expression to the wordless jubilation that is too intense to be articulated in everyday language, because its object is our life in its entirety, with all that is effable and ineffable in it. Celebrating Easter means experiencing some of this joy. The Alleluia is like a first revelation of what can and shall someday take place in us. Our entire being shall turn into a single immense joy.”
Pope John Paul II once said, “The exclamation of the Alleluia that rings out during the Easter Vigil in that sacred night already brings with it the joy of Easter morning. It brings the certainty of the resurrection. That which at the first moments after their discovery of the empty tomb the lips of the holy women in front of the sepulcher or the mouths of the astounded Apostles did not have the courage to utter, now the Church, thanks to their testimony, expresses with her Alleluia. The song of joy announces the Great Day. In some Slavic languages the Easter Vigil is called the Great Night, after which there arrives the Great Day, the day the Lord has made” (Psalm 117-118:24).
Dear esteemed readers, may your Easter celebration, our Christian Passover, be a grace-filled time of happiness for you and your loved ones. Happy Easter!
History and Beyond
Catholic theologians note that “the resurrection of Jesus has two major aspects, the one historical which can, therefore, be studied for the historical value of the narratives contained in the New Testament about the empty tomb and the many apparitions of the risen Lord, and the other spiritual and supernatural, exploring the place the resurrection of Christ, as a saving event carried out by God for the redemption of humanity, occupies in the history of salvation.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “the mystery of Christ’s resurrection is a real event, with manifestations that were historically verified... (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts of the Apostles 9:3-18; Luke 24:5-6; John 20:13; Matthew 28:11-15). The faith of the first community of believers is based on the witness of concrete men known to the early Christians and for the most part still living among them. Peter and the Twelve are the primary witnesses to His resurrection, but they are not the only ones. Paul speaks clearly of more than five hundred persons to whom Jesus appeared on a single occasion and also of James and of all the Apostles (1 Corinthians 15:4-8; Acts of the Apostles 1:22).”
The Catechism remarks: “Given all these testimonies, Christ’s resurrection cannot be interpreted as something outside the physical order, and it is impossible not to acknowledge it as an historical fact. It is clear from the facts that the disciples’ faith was drastically put to the test by the Master’s passion and death on the cross which He had foretold (Luke 22:31-32). When Jesus reveals Himself to the Eleven on Easter evening, ‘He upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart’ because they had not believed those who saw Him after He McCookhad risen (Mark 16:14). Even when faced with the reality of the risen Jesus the disciples were still doubtful. So impossible did the thing seem that they thought they were seeing a ghost (Luke 24:38-41; Matthew 28:17; John 20:24-27). Therefore, the hypothesis that the resurrection was produced by the Apostles’ faith or credulity will not hold up. On the contrary, their faith in the resurrection was born, under the action of divine grace, from their direct experience of the reality of the risen Jesus.”
Very Special
However, as Pope Benedict XVI points out, “We must say that Jesus, after he rose from the dead, did not live like a reanimated corpse, but He lived in virtue of His divine power, beyond the region of what is physically and chemically measurable.” The Catechism says, “Christ’s resurrection was not a return to earthly life, as was the case with the raisings from the dead that He had performed before Easter: Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:22-43), the young man of Naim (Luke 7:11-17), and Lazarus (John 11:1-44). These actions were miraculous events, but the persons miraculously raised returned by Jesus’ power to ordinary earthly life. At some particular moment they would die again. Christ’s resurrection is essentially different. In His risen Body He passes from the state of death to another life beyond time and space. At Jesus’ resurrection, His Body is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. He shares the divine life in His glorious state, so that Saint Paul can say that Christ is the Man of heaven (1 Corinthians 15:35-50).”
“Although the resurrection was an historical event that could be verified by the sign of the empty tomb and by the reality of the Apostles’ encounters with the risen Christ, still it remains at the very heart of the mystery of faith, as something that transcends and surpasses history. This is why the risen Christ does not reveal Himself to the world, but to His disciples, to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem and who are now His witnesses to the people (Acts of the Apostles 13:31; John 14:22).”
“Christ’s resurrection is an object of faith in that it is a transcendent intervention of God is creation and history.” The resurrection of Jesus was a work of the Three Persons of the Blessed Trinity. He was “raised from the dead” by God the Father at the same time that He “effects His own resurrection by virtue of His divine power (Mark 10:34; John 10:17-18; Romans 1:3-4; Acts of the Apostles 2:24; 2 Corinthians 13:4; Philippians 3:10; Ephesians 1:19-22; Hebrews 7:16).
Meaning
The Easter event has multiple layers of meaning and significance. It constitutes “above all the confirmation of all Christ’s works and teachings, all truths He taught, even those most inaccessible to human reason... It is “the fulfillment of the promises both of the Old Testament and of Jesus Himself made during His earthly life (Luke 24:6-7;Mark 16:7).” It vindicates Christ’s claims of divinity (John 8:28; Acts of the Apostles 13:32-34). It is the source of our own justification and righteousness (Romans 6:4; 1 Peter 1:3; Matthew 28:10; John 20:17). The risen Christ Himself in His glorious and triumphant resurrection also “is the source and principle of our own future resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-22; Hebrews 6:5; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Colossians 3:1-3).
Pope Benedict XVI says, “Anyone professing the resurrection of the body is not affirming an absurd miracle but affirming the power of God Who respects His creation without being tied to the law of its death. Indubitably death is the typical form of things in the world as it actually exists. But, the overcoming of death, its real and not simply its conceptual elimination, is still today, as it was then, the object and desire of the human quest.”
Pope’s Words
The Holy Father writes, “The resurrection of Jesus says that this victory (over human death) is in effect possible, that death does not belong principally and irrevocably to the structure of the creature, to matter. Certainly it also says that to overcome the confines of death is not possible definitively by sophisticated clinical methods, through technology. This comes about through the creative power of the Word and of love. Only these powers are sufficiently strong to modify so fundamentally the structure of matter, to make it possible to overcome the barrier of death. God’s power does not end at the confines of matter. It embraces everything. This is what faith in the resurrection is concerned with, the real power of God and the importance of human responsibility. That power of God is hope and joy. This is the liberation revealed at Easter. In the Pasch God reveals Himself, His power, superior to the power of death, the power of the love of the Trinity. So the paschal revelation gives us the right to sing Alleluia in a world overcast with the cloud of death. The Catholic Church communicates the hope that Easter placed in her heart to the world, proclaiming that the resurrection of Christ is our hope and joy, and we wish to share these treasures of ours with all the world.”
From God
One of the very foolish slogans so often used today in our modern western culture is: “Worship God in the Church of your choice”. The correct expression should be: “Worship God in the Church of His choice!” For Christians the only proper way to pray to our heavenly Father, according to the instructions given to us by our Savior, Jesus Himself, is by saying to God, “Thy will be done”, and never “my will be done.” Of course, it is right and desirable not to accept being coerced by any secular external, especially civil, forces in matters of religious worship. But, every responsible human nevertheless has a most serious moral obligation, fraught with the alternative consequences of either eternal happiness or everlasting misery, to learn what God has revealed about His will and to follow that will, especially as to how humanity is to approach Him, learn from Him, believe in Him, and adore and worship Him.
For us Catholics, when exercising our happy privilege and duty of daily private prayer (Matthew 6:5-13), it is perfectly legitimate to use either formal prayers or to engage, if we wish, in prayerful spontaneity, creativity, freedom, and Christian common sense when speaking to God, either mentally or vocally, even though our personal prayer ever should be seen as a spillover and prolongation of our participation in the liturgy, which is the public and official prayer of the Catholic Church and which the Second Vatican Council calls “the work of Christ, the Priest, and of His Body, the Church”.
However, that same liturgical prayer- worship, which the Second Vatican Council calls “a sacred action surpassing all others”, as distinct from private and individual prayer, always requires clear norms, regulations, and directives in order to adequately protect and properly express the Eucharistic mystery and the attendant and derivative mysteries, as well as to manifest the unity and orthodox doctrine of the Universal Church, founded by Christ (Matthew 16:18), which celebrates the august sacrifice, and sacraments, along with the devotional life of God’s Chosen People of the New Testament. Unlike private prayers and devotions, the official public prayer of the true Church always must be marked by objectivity, universality, and proper church-order.
Norms Needed
Therefore, as Cardinal Francis Arinze has noted, “No one should be surprised if, with the passage of time, our Holy Mother Church has developed words and actions, and therefore directives, for her supreme act of worship.” As Pope John Paul II phrased it, “These (liturgical) norms are a concrete expression of the authentically ecclesial nature of the Eucharist. This is their deepest meaning. Liturgy is never anyone’s private property, be it of the celebrant or of the community in which the mysteries are celebrated. Communities which conform to these norms quietly but eloquently thus demonstrate their love for the Church.”
Our present Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, remarks, “Man himself cannot simply “make” worship. If God does not reveal Himself, man is clutching empty space. Moses says to Pharaoh: “We do not know with what we must serve the Lord” (Exodus 10:26). These words display a fundamental law of all liturgy. When God does not reveal Himself, man could, of course, from a sense of God within him, build altars to an unknown god (Acts of the Apostles 17:23). He can reach out toward God in his thinking and try to feel his way toward Him. But, real liturgy implies that God responds and reveals how we are to worship Him. In any form, liturgy always must include some kind of “institution”. It cannot spring from imagination, from our own creativity, for then it would remain just a cry in the dark or mere self-affirmation. Liturgy implies a real relationship with Another, Who reveals Himself to us and gives our existence a new direction.”
The Calf
The Pope then goes on to write: “In the Old Testament there is a series of very impressive testimonies to the truth that the liturgy is not a matter of doing “what you please”. Nowhere is this more dramatically evident than in the narrative of the golden calf (strictly speaking, the “bull calf”).” The Holy Father notes that this ”falling away from the worship of God to idolatry” comes about because “the people cannot cope with the invisible, remote, and mysterious God. They want to bring Him down into their own world, into what they can see and understand. Worship is no longer going up to God, but drawing God down into one’s own world. He must be there when He is needed and He must be the kind of God that is needed. Man is using God, and in reality, even if it is not outwardly discernable, he is placing himself above God.”
The Supreme Pontiff then says, “The worship of the golden calf is a self-generated cult. Worship becomes a feast that the community gives itself, a festival of self-affirmation. Instead of being the worship of God, it becomes a circle closed in on itself, eating, drinking, and making merry. The golden calf is a symbol of this self-seeking worship. It is a kind of banal self-gratification. The narrative of the golden calf (Exodus 32:1-35) is a warning about any self-initiated and self-seeking worship. Ultimately it is no longer concerned with God, but with giving oneself a nice little alternative world, manufactured from one’s own resources. Then liturgy really does become pointless, just fooling around. Or worse, it becomes an apostasy from the living God, an apostasy in sacral disguise. All that is left in the end is frustration, a feeling of emptiness. There is no experience of that liberation which always takes place when man encounters the living God.”
Two Laws
An ancient axiom of Catholic theology is “lex orandi est lex credendi”. (“The way we pray proclaims what we believe.”) The reason, therefore, why the Second Vatican Council reaffirms our Catholic law, that the norms of the liturgy are not at the discretion of priests and lay people, but are the exclusive responsibility of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church (the Pope and the Bishops, who are the legitimate successors of Peter and the Apostles), is not only for the purposes of decorous ceremonies and decent world-wide church-order in worship, but also because the liturgy is involved profoundly with the very “deposit of faith”, that is, the fullness of God’s revelation contained in Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture. It is the duty of the Magisterium, with the help of God the Holy Spirit and through the abiding presence of Jesus (John 16:7-13; Matthew 28:19-20), to preserve, guard, and proclaim “the faith delivered once and for all to the saints” (Jude 1:3), and to keep that “deposit of faith” unmutilated, undistorted, and completely inviolate down the centuries until Christ returns to earth. Supervising and regulating the sacred liturgy is an important part of that solemn duty.
Changeless Changed
The recitation of the Nicene-Constantinople Creed at Mass, which is done currently in the Ordinary Form of the Roman Liturgy on Sundays and on Solemnities, consists, of course, of affirming the unchanging dogmas of our Catholic Faith given to us by God’s revelation and infallibly taught and proclaimed by the Catholic Church down the ages, from Christ and the Apostles to our own time and place. The contents of that Creed are what Saint Vincent of Lerins said are doctrines held “by all Catholics everywhere and always” (“quod semper, quod ubique, quod ab omnibus”). When we recite that Creed, we devoutly should remember what rubrically is said in some of our present day sacramental celebrations: “This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord.” As the General Instruction of the Roman Missal says, “By means of the Creed or Profession of Faith ( said or sung during Mass), the whole gathered People of God respond to the word of God proclaimed in the Sacred Scriptures and expounded in the homily, recalling and confessing the great mysteries of the faith by means of a formula approved for liturgical use.”
The Creed we recite at Mass is a compilation, summarizing the beliefs authoritatively taught by the Ecumenical Councils of Nicea (325 A.D.) and Constantinople (381 A.D.). The actual formula and precise words that we use in its recitation date from the Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon (451 A.D.). Father Josef Jungmann notes, “The character of this symbol (creedal formula) is distinguished by one trait, namely its theological clarity.” The original language of this Creed was Greek, and then it was translated into Latin, at the time when Latin became the normal and official language of the Roman Liturgy. Now, since the permitted vernacularization introduced into the liturgy by the Second Vatican Council, it also may be sung or recited in translation in many various languages. Because, however, some of the translations from the Latin into those languages occasionally have been imprecise, the Holy See recently has decreed (in the document “Liturgiam Authenticam”) that “The Creed is to be translated according to the precise wording that the tradition of the Latin Church has bestowed upon it....”
Therefore, sometime next year when the new Roman Missal (“Missale Romanum-editio typica tertia”) officially will begin to be used in its approved English translation, we will notice some changes in the wording of the Creed, not changing the immutable doctrines, of course, but rendering the words and meaning more exactly and thus more correctly than in our current imprecise English version.
First Person
One of the first changes we will notice is that the Creed will be recited or sung, as it always had been for previous ages in the liturgy, in the first person singular. No longer will we say “we believe”, but rather “I believe.” The Holy See says that using the first person singular “clearly makes manifest that the confession of faith handed down in the Creed is coming, as it were, from the person of the whole Church united by means of the faith.” English is the only major language that translated “credo” as “credimus” (“we believe”). This was done by the old ICEL organization of forty years ago (International Commission on English in the Liturgy) as a kind of free translation with some ideological purpose, but now this is being corrected by the modern and current ICEL group in conjunction with and in obedience to the Holy See.
The second part of the Mass, the service of Eucharist, used to be called in many places the Mass of the Faithful, in contrast with the first part, the service of the word, which was called the Mass of the Catechumens. This was because the catechumens were not allowed to remain for the second part, which was reserved only to the baptized. The bridge between the Mass of the Faithful and the Mass of the Catechumens (the two parts of the one and the same Mass) was the recitation of the Creed. It recalled the Sacrament of Baptism on the part of the faithful, and in this recollection, each of the faithful renewed his or her baptismal commitment, along with the accompanying vows and promises. In some periods of the Church’s history (the time of the so-called “disciplina arcani”) only the baptized knew the words of the Creed, which thus served as a kind of password for admission to the most sacred part of the Eucharistic sacrifice.
In the ancient Ecumenical Councils, the Fathers often signed joint creedal statements which, to be inclusive, used the first person plural. However, in the liturgy, historically there is no evidence of such usage, and there the use of the first person singular was (and is) almost universal. There may have been some arguments for the old ICEL translation which will now be discarded, but they have been overridden by modern research, solid theological reasoning, and liturgical correctness.
Other Changes
Currently, in addition to the opening words “we believe”, we repeat those words three more times while saying the Creed . In the new English Missal, only at the beginning will we say “I believe” and then the simple copulative “and” will be used in the other places. A more accurate translation in the new Missal will give us the words “ of all things visible and invisible” in place of “all that is seen and unseen”. The words “only Son” will be replaced by “the Only-Begotten Son”. “Eternally begotten of the Father” will become “born of the Father before all ages”.
One of the most important words in the Creed, which is historically and theologically essential and vital, is the Greek word “omoousios”, which is currently translated “one in Being with”, but which will be translated in the future closer to the Latin “consubstantialis” by rendering it in English as “consubstantial with the Father”. To make the English conform better to the Latin, the central incarnational words also are changed. We will say “...and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary...” and we will say “...He suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”
Regarding the Holy Spirit instead of “With the Father and the Son He is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken, etc.”, we will say ..”Who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, Who has spoken, etc.” Instead of saying, as we do now “We acknowledge one Baptism...” we will say “I confess one Baptism, etc.” Also, instead of saying “We look for the resurrection...” we will say “...and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead, etc.”
There can be little doubt that the introduction of the better English translation of the new edition of the Roman Missal will cause some initial discomfort and perhaps perplexity to some people. However, there will be widespread catechetical efforts through the English-speaking world to explain the newer translations for all our Catholic people. After doing and using something for forty years, change will not be easy for many people, but in a reasonably short time, we should be able to become accustomed to the new words and expressions and learn to love and appreciate them.
Importance
Pope Benedict XVI recently wrote, “What we previously knew only in theory has become for us a practical experience. The Church stands and falls with the liturgy. When the adoration of the divine Trinity declines, when faith no longer appears in its fullness in the liturgy of the Church, when man’s words, his thoughts, his intentions are suffocating him, then faith will have lost the place where it is expressed and where it dwells. For that reason, the true celebration of the sacred liturgy is at the center of any renewal of the Church whatever.”
The Second Vatican Council teaches, “The liturgy in its turn moves the faithful, filled with the paschal sacraments, to be one in holiness. It prays that they may hold fast in their lives to what they have grasped by their faith. The renewal in the Eucharist of the covenant between the Lord and mankind draws the faithful into the compelling love of Christ and sets them afire. From the liturgy, therefore, and especially from the Eucharist, as from a fount, grace is poured forth upon us, and the sanctification of men in Christ and the glorification of God, to which all other activities of the Church are directed as toward their end, is achieved in the most efficacious way possible. Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation by the Chosen People as “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a redeemed people” (1 Peter 2-9) is their right and duty by reason of their Baptism.”
The Council goes on to instruct us, “Christ is always present in His Church. Christ indeed always associates the Church with Himself in the great work wherein God is perfectly glorified and men are sanctified. The Church is His beloved Bride who calls to her Lord and through Him offers worship to the eternal Father. Rightly, then, the liturgy is considered as an exercise of the priestly office of Jesus Christ. In the liturgy, the sanctification of men is signified by signs perceptible to the senses, and is effected in a way which corresponds with each of these signs. In the liturgy the whole public worship is performed by the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ, that is, by the Head and members.”
Great Care
Because of the sublime importance of the liturgy, it is not surprising that those whom the Holy Spirit has raised up to guard and shepherd the Church are deeply concerned about the celebration of the Sacrifice of the Mass, the sacraments, the Liturgy of the Hours, the sacramentals, and all other things that are involved in the sacred liturgy. Celebrating the liturgy with the highest beauty and the most exact correctness possible is absolutely necessary because the liturgy of the Catholic Church on earth is a shadow and pale reflection of the glorious and eternal liturgy going on in heaven. As the Second Vatican Council states, “In the earthly liturgy we take part in a foretaste of that heavenly liturgy which is celebrated in the holy city of Jerusalem toward which we journey as pilgrims, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God, a minister of the holies and of the true tabernacle (Revelation 21:2; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 8:2). We sing a hymn to the Lord’s glory with all the warriors of the heavenly army. Venerating the memory of the saints, we hope for some part and fellowship with them. We eagerly await the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, until He, our Life, shall appear and we too will appear with Him in glory (Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:4).”
After the Council concluded forty years ago, the translations into vernacular languages from the Latin language, which had been used almost exclusively in the Roman Rite for more than the 1800 previous years, were sometimes done hurriedly and carried out under some defective rules permitting a freer system of translation, which often resulted in inaccuracy and linguistic omissions. This why the Holy See noted in 2001, that “translations of liturgical texts in various localities stand in need of improvement through correction or through a new draft. The omissions or errors, which affect certain existing vernacular translations, especially in the case of certain languages, have impeded the progress of inculturation that actually should have taken place. Consequently, the Church has been prevented from laying the foundation for a fuller, healthier, and more authentic renewal. It seems necessary to consider anew the true notion of liturgical translation in order that the translations of the sacred liturgy into the vernacular languages may stand secure as the authentic voice of the Church of God.”
The issuance of the newly revised Roman Missal has provided the opportunity for this to be done for the English speaking part of the world. Probably next year, either at the beginning of Lent or Advent, the new English translation of the Missal will come into use in our country.
Changes
Most of the changes in the English translation of the Mass texts will affect and involve the priest-celebrant of the Mass, but there will be some that also will touch the faithful in their participation in the sacred liturgy. For instance, the one that will be most immediately noted will most likely be the response given by the congregation to the priest’s greeting: “The Lord be with you.” Instead of saying “And also with you”, the response will be changed to a correct translation of the Latin: “And with your spirit”. Saint John Chrysostom preached and wrote about how this response of the people in the liturgy has reference to a special presence of God the Holy Spirit in those who have received the Sacrament of Holy Orders, that is, Bishops, priests, and deacons. That special presence is particularly actual and real when the greeting and response is undertaken in the course of any sacred liturgical action, when the Bishop, priest, or deacon is using the power and authority received in Holy Orders and is a acting “in the person of Christ, the High Priest, Whose priesthood is the only one in the New Testament.”
Another change will be noted in the words of the “confiteor” in the penitential rite of the Mass. “that I have sinned” will become “that I have greatly sinned” , and “through my own fault” will become “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault”. The “and I ask” following will be replaced by “therefore I ask etc.”
While some of these changes will not be immediately understood by all, may be misunderstood as trivial or frivolous, and may be somewhat annoying to carry out initially, they should be seen as having significance and importance so that, as the Holy See puts it, we might better find in the sacred liturgy as abundant source of graces and a means for our own continual formation in the Christian mystery. They are the means by which “the indefectible faith of the Church is efficaciously transmitted by way of human language to prayer and becomes worthy worship offered to God, the Most High!”
On next June 11th, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we will celebrate the conclusion of the special Year for Priests (Year of the Priest), which was proclaimed by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. It is always appropriate at this time of the year to reflect prayerfully once again on the priesthood of Jesus Christ, when ordinations to the transitional diaconate and to the priesthood will be taking place in our Cathedral of the Risen Christ. On Saturday morning, May 22nd, deacons of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP) will be ordained priests there, using the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite in the Latin language. On Friday evening, May 28th, three of our seminarians (who are destined to be ordained priests for our Diocese of Lincoln next year) will be ordained as transitional deacons, using the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite, and then on Saturday morning, May 29th, four present deacons from our Diocese will be ordained as new priests for the Diocese of Lincoln, also in the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite. Of course, all the faithful are invited and urged to pray for the ordinands, and as many as find it possible are also urged and cordially invited to attend and participate in the ordination liturgies. On Thursday evening, next May 27th, there will be a Holy Hour of Prayer for our diocesan ordinands at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church at the Newman Center on the UNL Campus, to which all are invited as well.
The old ordination ritual has an ancient exhortation for all the faithful in this regard, reminding them that not only the captain and crew of a ship must be concerned about the safety of a vessel, but all the passengers as well need to be involved in this concern. This applies certainly to the Bark of Peter, especially in these days, when the privileged participation in the one and only priesthood of the New Testament, the priesthood of Jesus Christ, is under severe attack from both inside and outside the Church and when there is such Judas-like betrayal of our Lord even from some (although fortunately a very few) of His present day disciples.
This should not be too surprising to us. As Pope Pius XI expressed it, “A tribute to the priesthood is given by the enemies of the Church. They show that they fully appreciate the dignity and importance of the Catholic priesthood, by directing against it their first and fiercest blows, since they know full well how close is the tie that binds the Church to her priests. The most rabid enemies of the Catholic priesthood today are the very enemies of God Himself, a homage indeed to the priesthood, showing it all the more worthy of honor and veneration.” Saint Anthony of Padua preached about the need to pray for priests, since the devils tempt them more ferociously and continually than they do the laity, because the powers of hell know that when they conquer a priest, they take many more souls into hell with him. Jesus said to His first priests, “It is because you do not belong to the world, because I singled you out from the world, that the world hates you. If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me before you” (John 15:18-20).
From Christ
A call to the priesthood and the bestowal of its authority and power come from Christ. The Catholic community has a duty to pray for vocations to the priesthood (Matthew 9:38), and to urge and suggest to appropriate young men that they might consider whether Christ might be inviting them to share in His priesthood. However, the call itself does not come from the community but from Christ Himself. Granted that a priest represents the community before God, he nevertheless cannot undertake that task before first of all representing the divine Person of Christ. Pope Pius XII said: “Only to the Apostles and therefore to those on whom their successors have imposed hands is granted the power of the priesthood, in virtue of which they represent the Person of Jesus Christ before their people, acting at the same time as representatives of their people before God. It (the priesthood) does not emanate from the Christian community. It is not a delegation from the people. Prior to acting as a representative of the community before the throne of God, the priest is an ambassador of the divine Redeemer.”
Pope Benedict XVI says, “No man can dare to take to himself the “I” and the “my” of Jesus Christ ( Hebrews 5:4; Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-23; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Yet, those words must be said if the saving mystery is not to remain something in the distant past. So authority to pronounce them is needed, an authority which no one can assume and which no congregation, nor even many congregations together, can confer. Only Jesus Christ Himself, in the sacramental form He has committed to the whole Church can give this authority.”
An internal vocation to the priesthood, a perception that Christ is summoning a man to be a priest, which is examined and prayed about and is the object of spiritual counseling and advice over a suitable number of years, only becomes genuine, certain, and authentic, when, on the day of ordination itself, the Bishop externalizes that previously internal vocation and authenticates it in the name of the Church, saying in the ritual: “I chose this man (these men) for the order of priesthood.” The Council of Trent teaches that only those can be sure they are called to the priesthood by Christ who are called by the Bishops of the Church.”
Twofold Power
The Second Vatican Council teaches, “By sacred ordination and by the mission they receive from their Bishops, priests are promoted to the service of Christ, the Teacher, Priest, and King. They share in His ministry of unceasingly building up the Church on earth into the People of God, the Body of Christ, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit.” Priests are called upon to undertake this lifelong work in many and various ways. However, the principal exercise of their priesthood consists in two overwhelmingly awesome and supernatural powers: first, to confect the Holy Eucharist, making present under the species of bread and wine the dying and rising of Jesus, His one, enduring and eternally redeeming sacrifice (“Do this in memory of Me”), and His true and substantial presence; and second, to transmit to human and contrite souls the pardon and forgiveness of sins that our Savior obtained for our world on His cross (“Whose sins you shall forgive they are forgiven and whose sins you shall retain are retained”).
Also, the Second Vatican Council says, “Bishops legitimately handed on to different members of the Church various degrees of participation in their ministry. Thus the divinely established ecclesiastical ministry is exercised in different ranks by those who from the earliest times have been called Bishops, priests, and deacons. Although priests do not possess the highest degree of the priesthood and depend upon the Bishops in the exercise of their power, they are nevertheless united with the Bishops in sacerdotal dignity.”
Poems
In my view one of the most interesting women in the last century was Catherine Kolyschkine, the Baroness de Hueck, also known as Catherine Doherty. She was a very fascinating convert to our Catholic Faith, and her work involving the Madonna Homes and Friendship Homes in our country and elsewhere, as well as in dozens of other enterprises and undertakings, makes her already wonderfully stirring biography even more edifying to read. Her deep and personal concern for the Catholic priesthood too can serve for fine reading, especially as we draw to the conclusion of the Year for Priests (Year of the Priest). She said, “I wish I could tell every priest that I share his pain and joy, whatever it may be, because I love the priesthood so passionately.”
One day many years ago, her husband Eddie Doherty came into her office where she was typing and told her that he had received a communication asking “What is a Catholic priest?” He asked what he should say to reply. Without a word she picked up a pencil and wrote the following on a piece of scrap paper. It seemed to Eddie at first to be something superficial, but, as time went on, he, and many others, especially many priests, have treasured her words:
“A priest is lover of God. A priest is lover of men. A priest is a holy man because he walks before the face of the All-Holy. A priest understands all things. A priest forgives all things. A priest encompasses all things. The heart of a priest is pierced like Christ’s with a lance of love. The heart of a priest is open, like Christ’s, for the whole world to walk through. The heart of a priest is a vessel School of compassion. The heart of a priest is a chalice of love. The heart of a priest is the trysting place of human and divine love. A priest is a man whose goal is to be another Christ. A priest is a man who lives to serve. A priest is a man who has crucified himself so that he too may be lifted up and draw all things to Christ. A priest is a man in love with God. A priest is a gift of God to man and of man to God. A priest is a symbol of the Word made flesh. A priest is the naked sword of God’s justice. A priest is the hand of God’s mercy. A priest is the reflection of God’s love. Nothing can be greater in the world than a priest, nothing but God Himself.”
Writing once to a seminarian about his future priesthood, she said, “You will pray and heaven will listen, hell will tremble, and death will hear. At your word a child of sin will become a child of God, a youth will become a soldier of Christ, a sinner a saint. Hungry men will be filled and dying ones sped homeward in peace. You will open your mouth and teach and the fullness of truth will come out of it. The Word will take flesh again and walk among men and many shall arise and follow Him.”
Bishop Grady
Bishop Thomas Grady, who died in 2002, as the retired Bishop of Orlando, Florida, once wrote what he entitled “The Priest”: “Like Jonah by God’s will spilled up on the shore from the belly of a whale to convert Nineveh, by the providence of God the priest is spilled up from the bosom of the community to preach the truth and call for repentance. Like Jonah he is an imperfect messenger, a mere man with a message of infinite authority, to govern with humility and gentleness, to walk with his fellow pilgrims on the journey of life, feeding them with the divine and priceless food that looks like Bread and Wine.”
“He is celibate and so he needs a friend like Jesus and a mother like Mary, as well as the response and affirmation of the people he serves. At the altar, conscious of his unworthiness, he stands in the Person of Christ, the Head of the Mystical Body, gathering around him the great choirs of heaven, the souls in purgatory, the people present and all the people of the world with all their tears and cries, first leading and then joining them in their worship, giving voice to all creation - to the silent mountains, the restless sea, the elephants and mice, the flowers and birds, and all of God’s creatures. By Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, he says Amen to the glory of God the Father. Chosen not choosing, he is forged a priest in the infinite fires of the Holy Spirit, an ordinary man, walking ordinary streets among ordinary people, but always remembering and always strengthened by the call he has heard” Come follow Me.”
From the Pope
Earlier in this month of May, Pope Benedict XVI, speaking to lay people said, “Dear friends, be conscious of the great gift that priests are for the Church and for the world. Through their ministry the Lord continues saving men, making Himself present, sanctifying. Know how to thank God, and, above all, be close to your priests with your prayer and your support, especially in difficulties, so that they will be increasingly shepherds according to the Heart of God.” The Pope reiterates what the Second Vatican Council said was the threefold mission of every priest: to teach, to sanctify, and to govern.
Speaking of the priest’s mission to sanctify, the Holy Father notes, “To sanctify a man means to put him in contact with God, Who is absolute Truth, Love, Beauty, Pure Light. No man on his own, by his own strength, can put another in contact with God. An essential part of the grace of the priesthood is the gift, the task to create this contact. This is done in the proclamation of the word of God, in which He comes to meet us. It is done in a particularly profound way in the sacraments. Immersion in the paschal mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ happens in Baptism, is reinforced in Confirmation and Reconciliation, and is nourished in the Eucharist, the sacrament that builds up the Church as the People of God, the Body of Christ, Temple of the Holy Spirit.”
“It is Christ Himself Who can and does make us saints. But, in an act of His infinite mercy, He calls some to be with Him in this work (Mark 3:14), and to become, through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, participants in His one priesthood, to become ministers of sanctification, dispensers of His mysteries, bridges of the encounter with Him, and sharers in His one and only mediation between God and men and between men and God ( 1 Timothy 2:5).”
Archbishop Fulton Sheen observed, “Jesus knew the extent of His Father’s power, but He was also one with His Father’s divine plan to sanctify men by human means. In the prolongation of His incarnation, He uses priests as His instruments. Though He could reap the harvest without men, He will not.”
Ordination Day
As the special Year for Priests (Year of the Priest) winds down to its close and as the approaching days of priestly ordinations for our Diocese come nearer, it is most useful and suitable to give some thought and reflection to the great and precious gift that Jesus gave to us in His Catholic Church, when, in that Upper Room in Jerusalem, He instituted the Blessed Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist, and then, to make its perpetuation possible to the end of time, He instituted the sacrament of Holy Orders, ordaining His Apostles as His first priests, the first men to share in His unique and eternal priesthood (Luke 22:19). It was in that same Upper Room also that our Savior later instituted the Sacrament of Penance, giving to His newly ordained priests the power and authority to distribute or withhold all the forgiveness of sins which He merited for our human race on His cross (John 20:22-23).
Blessed Columba Marmion, the saintly Benedictine Abbot, wrote: “Remember what happens on the day of ordination. On that blessed morning, a young levite, overwhelmed by the sentiments of his own unworthiness and weakness, prostrates himself before the Bishop who represents the heavenly Pontiff. He bows his head under the imposition of hands by the consecrating Prelate. At this moment the Holy Spirit descends upon him and the eternal Father is able to contemplate with ineffable complacency this new priest, a living reproduction of His Beloved Son: This is My Beloved Son! While the Bishop holds his hands extended and the whole assembly of priests imitate his gesture, the words of the Archangel addressed to Mary are accomplished anew: The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of the Most High shall overshadow you (Luke 1:35). At this moment, full of mystery, the Holy Spirit takes possession of this chosen one of the Lord and effects between Christ and him an eternal resemblance. When he rises, he is a man transformed: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:11-24).
The Character
Father Charles O’Connor explains that the “eternal resemblance” mentioned by Blessed Columba Marmion is “another way of describing the character (indelible mark) of Holy Orders.” Along with Baptism and Confirmation, Holy Orders is an unrepeatable sacrament, “able to be received only once in the course of a lifetime.” He says, “The priestly seal or character (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:3 & 4:30) is separate from, yet much related to, the baptismal one. It too may be received only once, imprints something permanent on the soul, and follows naturally from the characters given in Baptism and Confirmation. Saint Augustine was the first to write about the sacramental character of Holy Orders, and he viewed its permanence as completely unaffected by one’s leaving the priestly ministry, sinning mortally, or in any way separating oneself from Christ’s Mystical Body (the Catholic Church). A priest is always (at the very least ontologically, in the depth of his being) a priest.”
The fine christological expert and theologian, Father Jean Galot S.J., notes, “The mark is indelible. Its permanency is not dependent on whether this or that priest has what it takes to carry out an activity. Nothing can erase it. Nothing can cause it to vanish. The indelibility, affirmed by the Council (of Trent) applies at least to our earthly life during which the sacrament may never be repeated. As to its permanence in the next life, nothing has been explicitly declared. The Council’s own declaration was not intended to address this issue, which is rather speculative and without direct relevance to the life of the Church here and now. However, since the character is a spiritual mark, it is difficult to see how death could prevail against it.”
Father Galot goes on to teach, “Once the priestly character is again set in this original perspective, it can be understood as the Father’s imprint on the Son, an imprint which, at the incarnation, makes of the Man-Jesus the image of the Supreme Shepherd. This constitutive imprint of Christ’s fundamental priesthood goes on to impress itself on each one of those who receive a participation in His pastoral ministry. The Father, Who inscribes His own Self on the Son, inscribes that same Self on priests in a very special way. What Jesus was in His own priesthood, as the Word made Flesh, namely the Father’s inscription and signature on human life, an inscription that recounts the ineffable (John 1:18) and renders visible the One that no one has ever seen, this is what priests are called to be in their turn by virtue of the priestly character. Their mission as heralds of the Word rests upon the same foundation, upon the Father’s self-revelation imprinted on their own human selves.”
St. Thomas Aquinas
One of the most learned American commentators on the writings of the Angelic Doctor was Father Walter Farrell O.P. He once paraphrased some of Saint Thomas’ views on the priesthood: “When a man becomes a priest, he becomes another Christ. Before his ordination, he received a grace from others, but after ordination he can communicate grace to others. He is the active, human instrument through which the grace of Christ passes to men. This makes it apparent that Holy Orders is a social sacrament. Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, Penance, and Extreme Unction sanctify the individual for his own advantage. But, Holy Orders sanctifies a man for the benefit of others. It makes him holy so that he can communicate holiness to others.”
“A priest is a man of power and authority. By his preaching, example, and counsel, he directs the lives of his parishioners in accordance with the revealed wisdom of God and the laws of the Church. In his administration of the sacraments and the blessings of the Church, he is the human channel through which the power of the passion of Christ is transmitted to men for their salvation. No man could ever give himself such power or arrogate to himself such authority. No mere man could even dare to choose himself for so stupendous a role in the life of men. Only God can make a man a priest and He does so in the Sacrament of Holy Orders.”
Other Comments
Cardinal Avery Dulles wrote: “Sacramental ordination to priestly office confers the power to pronounce the words of consecration at Mass in such a way that Christ is the principal Speaker and Actor. Only in this way is it possible for the Eucharist to be identically the same sacrifice that was offered on Calvary. As the Council of Trent clearly taught, the priest and the victim are the same. Only the manner of offering is different.”
Archbishop Fulton Sheen reminded Christians: “Some things are too beautiful to be forgotten...Arnold Toynbee reminds us that we have roses in June so that we may have memories in December. Our blessed Lord came not to live but to die. He would not, therefore, leave to the chance recollection of men the memory of His victimhood. He Himself would institute the precise means of its recall: Do this as a memorial of Me (1 Corinthians 11:24).” This is basically what the Catholic priesthood is all about!
Chrism Preface
The International Synod of Bishops, meeting in Rome in 1991, gave to Pope John Paul II the account of their deliberations, from which he drew up an extensive document about the Catholic priesthood which he entitled "I Will Give You Shepherds" ("Pastores Dabo Vobis" - Jeremiah 3:15). In that document, as well as in many other papal teachings, of course, there is an abundance of reflections and considerations very suitable for all as we go toward the close of the special Year for Priests (Year of the Priest).
The Pope said, "The truth of the priest, as it emerges from the Word of God, that is, from Jesus Christ Himself and from His constitutive plan for the Church, is thus proclaimed with joyful gratitude by the Preface of the Liturgy of the Chrism Mass: By Your Holy Spirit You anointed Your only Son as High Priest of the new and eternal covenant. With wisdom and love You have planned that this one priesthood should continue in the Church. Christ gives the dignity of a royal priesthood to the people He has made His own. From these, with a brother’s love, He chooses men to share His sacred ministry by the laying on of hands. He appointed them to renew in His name the sacrifice of redemption as they set before Your family His paschal meal. He calls them to lead Your holy people in love, nourish them by Your word, and strengthen them through the sacraments. Father, they are to give their lives in Your service and for the salvation of Your people, as they strive to grow in the likeness of Christ and honor You by their courageous witness of faith and love."
The Holy Father noted: "In their final message (to the world about the priesthood) the Synod Fathers summarized briefly but eloquently the truth, or better, the ‘mystery and gift’ of the ministerial priesthood, when they stated: We derive our identity ultimately from the love of the Father. We turn our gaze to the Son, sent by the Father as the High Priest and Good Shepherd. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are united sacramentally to Him in the ministerial priesthood. Our priestly life and activity continue the life and activity of Christ Himself. Here lies our identity, our true dignity, the source of our joy, and the very basis of our life.”
Church Related
The Bishop of Rome states, “The priest’s fundamental relationship is to Jesus Christ, the Head and Shepherd of the Catholic Church. But, intimately linked to this relationship is the priest’s relationship with the Church. It is not a question of relations which are merely juxtaposed, but rather of ones which are interiorly united in a kind of mutual immanence. The priest’s relation to the Church is inscribed in the very relation which a priest has to Christ, such that his sacramental representation of Christ serves as the basis and inspiration for the relation of the priest to the Church.”
The Synod itself said, “Inasmuch as he represents Christ, the Head, Shepherd, and Spouse of the Church, the priest is placed not only in the Church but also in the forefront of the Church. The priesthood, along with the word of God and the sacramental signs which it serves, belongs to the constitutive elements of the Church. The ministry of the priest is entirely on behalf of the Church. It aims at promoting the exercise of the common priesthood of the entire People of God. It is ordered not only to the particular Church, but to the Universal Church in communion with the Bishop, with Peter and under Peter. Consequently, the ordained priesthood ought not be thought of as existing prior to the Church, because it is totally at the service of the Church. Not should it be considered as posterior to the ecclesial community, as if the Church could be imagined as already established without the priesthood.”
Hierarchical
While the priesthood is profoundly and intrinsically related to the Church, it must not be held, however, that the call to the priesthood, the priestly vocation, comes from the community of the Church. The call can only validly come, as an invitation, from Christ, although He occasionally can use others, such as parishes, family, friends, school situations, and the like as external actual graces to accomplish His purposes. This is why the Second Vatican Council said that the entire Christian community is responsible for praying for priestly vocations, helping young men to discern the authenticity of a call from Christ to the priesthood, and then supporting the formation, education, and development of such a call. The final decision about the authenticity of a priestly vocation rests, according to Catholic doctrine, with Bishops of the Church.
The Pope said, “The sacramental priesthood is a hierarchical priesthood and at the same time a ministerial priesthood. It constitutes a special ‘ministerium’, that is to say, ‘service’ in relation to the community. It does not, however, take its origin from that community, as though it were the community that ‘called’ or ‘delegated’ a man to be a priest. The sacramental priesthood is truly a gift for the community and comes from Christ Himself, from the fullness of His priesthood. This fullness finds expression in that fact the Christ, while making everyone capable of offering the spiritual sacrifice, calls and enables some men to be ministers of His own sacramental sacrifice, the Eucharist, in the offering of which all the faithful share, but only the ordained priest confects. Conscious of this reality, we can understand how the ministerial priesthood is ‘hierarchical’, that is to say, connected with the power of forming and governing the priestly people, and precisely for this reason is ‘ministerial’. It is an office carried out through Christ, Who unceasingly serves His Father in the work of our salvation.”
Sign of Grace
The Synod remarked, “By his very nature and sacramental mission, the priest appears in the structure of the Church as a sign of the absolute priority and gratuitousness of the grace given to the Church by the risen Christ. Through the ministerial priesthood the Church becomes aware in faith that her being comes not from herself but from the grace of Christ in the Holy Spirit. The Apostles and their successors, inasmuch as they exercise an authority which comes to them from Christ, the Head and Shepherd, are placed with their ministry in the front of the Church as a visible continuation and sacramental sign of Christ in His own position before the Church and the world, as the enduring and ever new source of salvation (Ephesians 5:23).
Therefore, by its nature the ordained ministry can be carried out only to the extent that the priest is united to Christ through sacramental participation in the priestly order, and thus to the extent he is in hierarchical communion with his own Bishop. Reference to Christ is thus the absolutely necessary key for understanding the reality of the priesthood. Priests are called to prolong the presence of Christ, the one High Priest, embodying his way of life and making Him visible in the midst of the flock entrusted to their care.”
