In these days of information overload, image bombardment, and ever-present social media, Catholics and non-Catholics alike can quickly become overwhelmed, distracted, offended, and even exhausted by the massive amounts of data thrown at them everyday. In Inter Mirifica or Decree on the Means of Social Communication, the Vatican II Fathers offer important insights and instruction on the proper use of the “means of social communication,” including the press, movies, radio, and television. The principles of the document can easily extend to the Internet, smart phone applications, and other modern channels of communication.
Here's a sampling of the topics and ideas you'll find in Inter Mirifica.
Introduction
* With God's help, human beings have created wonders in technology and many “new avenues of easy communication” that reach a global audience and affect “the whole of human society.”
* These means of social communication can benefit humankind greatly if they are used properly. They can enrich humanity and spread the Kingdom of God.
* These means of social communication can also be misused and cause great harm to humanity.
Chapter 1
* The Church has the right and responsibility to use the means of social communication to spread the Gospel.
* The Church also has the right and responsibility to educate people on the proper use of the means of social communication.
* Lay people in the Church have the special task of animating these media “with a Christian and human spirit.”
* In order to use media correctly, Catholics must know the absolute moral principles and “apply them faithfully in this domain.” Catholics must carefully consider the subject matter of the media and the circumstances and manner in which it is used.
* The Church reaffirms people's right to information, which must contribute to the common good. The distribution and use of information must be governed by the moral law and concern for the “legitimate rights and dignity of man.”
* With regard to works of art, “all must accept the absolute primacy of the objective moral order.” Art has power to harmonize human activity and raise people's minds to God.
* Moral laws must be observed when moral evil is depicted.
* Public opinion must be formed according to “the demands of justice and charity.”
* People who are receivers of the means of social communication must select media in accord with the moral law. All people must properly form their consciences in order to “more readily resist less wholesome influences and profit more fully from the good.”
* Parents must teach their children the proper use of media and instill “moderation and discipline” in them.
* Those who create and transmit media must recognize the influence they have and work according to the moral law.
* Civil authorities are responsible for promoting and protecting the common good and social morality and must regulate media accordingly.
Chapter II
* Every member of the Church must strive to use the means of social communication to promote the Church's mission. Every member must also work against media that is morally harmful.
* Catholic newspapers ought to be founded and fostered so that the faithful may be better able to analyze current events from a Catholic viewpoint.
* Movies, radio and television programs, and theater productions should promote family values and moral entertainment.
* Priests, religious, and laypeople all need to be trained in the proper production and use of media.
* Catholics must support Catholic media that they may help spread and defend the truth and permeate society with Christian values.
* Proper authorities must be established to regulate Catholic media and oversee the formation for all Catholics in using media.
Conclusions
* The means of social communication must be used only for “the good of humanity.” They have great potential to “add savor to the earth and light to the world” if they are employed to glorify the Lord.
The full text of Inter Mirifica is available online at the Vatican website.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
A Little Something Extra...Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Details
Let's take a few minutes to revisit this week's Gospel (Mark 1:40-45) and notice a few interesting details.
The Leper
Because of his apparently-contagious skin disease, the leper was an outcast from the Jewish community. Today's First Reading from Leviticus 13 explains that anyone with leprosy was considered “unclean.” Like all lepers, the sick man in today's Gospel had to dwell apart from society, tear his garments, keep his head bare, and warn everyone he met of his outcast status by crying “Unclean!” He had no access to Jewish religious rites and probably felt abandoned by God in the midst of his physical and emotional suffering. Further, his fellows Jews tended to view leprosy as a punishment from God, and they probably figured that this man must have been some great sinner to have contracted this horrible disease.
The Leper's Risk
The leper knew that he was not supposed to approach Jesus. He was breaking Jewish law by coming anywhere close to Him. Yet he took the risk. Why? He must have have heard about Jesus and about the healing He had bestowed on so many sick people. He must have hoped that maybe, just maybe, Jesus could heal him, too. It was enough to take the chance, even if he was risking rejection and punishment. He knelt down before Jesus and begged Him, “If You wish, You can make me clean.”
Pay close attention to these words. The leper made a statement of fact. He didn't say, “Can You make me clean?” or “Perhaps You can make me clean.” He didn't even use the imperative request “Please make me clean!” He simply stated a fact: “Jesus, if You want to, You can make me clean.” The leper had faith that Jesus could could heal him, but he left the choice to Jesus. He simply placed himself before Him and surrendered himself to His will.
The Miracle
Jesus didn't reject the leper. He was moved with pity for him. The Greek word translated as “pity” here connotates compassion, a suffering with someone else. Jesus felt the leper's pain deeply. He understood his fear and suffering, and He reached out and touched him. This gesture revealed Jesus' great love for the man. H could have healed him without touching him, but He chose to share even more deeply in the leper's condition. In fact, touching the leper technically made Jesus unclean, too.
As Jesus touched the leper, He said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leper was made clean.
Jesus then gave the former leper some strict instructions. Don't tell anyone about this, He commanded, but go show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifice Moses prescribed. This would confirm the healing and readmit the man into his proper position in Jewish society.
The Consequences
The now-clean man disobeyed Jesus and spread the word of his healing everywhere. Why? He was certainly not being malicious. He just couldn't keep this great event to himself. He let his feelings, his joy, take hold of him. He wanted to praise God for the wonderful thing that had happened to him. He just couldn't help it; he was so happy. His discretion seemed to have left him along with his leprosy, but we can't blame him too much. He had just been cured, and he wanted everyone to know about it. Further, he wanted everyone else who was sick to experience the same healing he had received.
The man's actions had consequences for Jesus, however. He could no longer go openly into cities and towns, for He was drawing huge crowds, crowds that would make civil officials nervous and suspicious of a possible political uprising. So He remained in deserted places, and the crowds came to Him, seeking healing and wholeness. And the deserted places became fruitful.
Let's take a few minutes to revisit this week's Gospel (Mark 1:40-45) and notice a few interesting details.
The Leper
Because of his apparently-contagious skin disease, the leper was an outcast from the Jewish community. Today's First Reading from Leviticus 13 explains that anyone with leprosy was considered “unclean.” Like all lepers, the sick man in today's Gospel had to dwell apart from society, tear his garments, keep his head bare, and warn everyone he met of his outcast status by crying “Unclean!” He had no access to Jewish religious rites and probably felt abandoned by God in the midst of his physical and emotional suffering. Further, his fellows Jews tended to view leprosy as a punishment from God, and they probably figured that this man must have been some great sinner to have contracted this horrible disease.
The Leper's Risk
The leper knew that he was not supposed to approach Jesus. He was breaking Jewish law by coming anywhere close to Him. Yet he took the risk. Why? He must have have heard about Jesus and about the healing He had bestowed on so many sick people. He must have hoped that maybe, just maybe, Jesus could heal him, too. It was enough to take the chance, even if he was risking rejection and punishment. He knelt down before Jesus and begged Him, “If You wish, You can make me clean.”
Pay close attention to these words. The leper made a statement of fact. He didn't say, “Can You make me clean?” or “Perhaps You can make me clean.” He didn't even use the imperative request “Please make me clean!” He simply stated a fact: “Jesus, if You want to, You can make me clean.” The leper had faith that Jesus could could heal him, but he left the choice to Jesus. He simply placed himself before Him and surrendered himself to His will.
The Miracle
Jesus didn't reject the leper. He was moved with pity for him. The Greek word translated as “pity” here connotates compassion, a suffering with someone else. Jesus felt the leper's pain deeply. He understood his fear and suffering, and He reached out and touched him. This gesture revealed Jesus' great love for the man. H could have healed him without touching him, but He chose to share even more deeply in the leper's condition. In fact, touching the leper technically made Jesus unclean, too.
As Jesus touched the leper, He said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leper was made clean.
Jesus then gave the former leper some strict instructions. Don't tell anyone about this, He commanded, but go show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifice Moses prescribed. This would confirm the healing and readmit the man into his proper position in Jewish society.
The Consequences
The now-clean man disobeyed Jesus and spread the word of his healing everywhere. Why? He was certainly not being malicious. He just couldn't keep this great event to himself. He let his feelings, his joy, take hold of him. He wanted to praise God for the wonderful thing that had happened to him. He just couldn't help it; he was so happy. His discretion seemed to have left him along with his leprosy, but we can't blame him too much. He had just been cured, and he wanted everyone to know about it. Further, he wanted everyone else who was sick to experience the same healing he had received.
The man's actions had consequences for Jesus, however. He could no longer go openly into cities and towns, for He was drawing huge crowds, crowds that would make civil officials nervous and suspicious of a possible political uprising. So He remained in deserted places, and the crowds came to Him, seeking healing and wholeness. And the deserted places became fruitful.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The Documents of Vatican II – Sacrosanctum Concilium
As the first document of Vatican II, promulgated on December 4, 1963, Sacrosanctum Concilium, or The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, sets the stage for the entire council by listing (in its very first paragraph) the four goals of the council. The document then goes on to discuss the nature of the sacred liturgy; offer suggestions for liturgical reform; and describe the riches of the Eucharistic mystery, the other sacraments, the Divine Office, the liturgical year, sacred music, and sacred art.
Here's a sampling of the topics and ideas you'll find in each section of Sacrosanctum Concilium:
Introduction
* The four goals of Vatican II are: 1. to increase the vigor of Christian life among the faithful; 2. to adapt to the needs of the modern world, at least in those institutions and traditions within the Church that are able to change; 3. to promote union among Christians; and 4. to call all people into the Church.
* The power of the liturgy enables the faithful to live the mystery of Christ, manifest the true nature of the Church, become temples of the Lord, and present Christ to the world.
* The Church is both human and divine, visible and invisible, active and contemplative.
Chapter 1: General Principles for the Restoration and Promotion of the Sacred Liturgy
* Jesus Christ is the source of the sacred liturgy.
* Jesus willed that His great work of salvation should continue through the sacraments, and since Jesus' Resurrection, the Church has celebrated the paschal mystery in sacred liturgy.
* Jesus is present in the sacrifice of the Mass in many ways and especially in the Eucharist.
* The liturgy is the public worship of the Church. It uses signs that are perceptible to human senses and is performed by the entire Mystical Body of Christ, both Head and members.
* The sacred liturgy allows us to experience the heavenly liturgy on earth.
* Faith and conversion are prerequisites to the celebration of the liturgy, which in turn helps Christians shine like lights in the world.
* The liturgy is the summit of the Church's activity and the fount of power and grace.
* The faithful must come to the liturgy with the proper dispositions. They must strive to be fully, actively, and consciously engaged in the liturgical celebration, participating both internally and externally in the sacred rites. The liturgy then pours over into their private prayer and into every aspect of their lives.
* Both clergy and laity must be instructed in the nature and practice of the liturgy.
* Some parts of the liturgy have been instituted by God and are unchangeable; others may and should change to meet the needs of modern world. Changes should not be made simply for the sake of change but for the good of the Church and in continuity with past and current practices.
* If the faithful are to participate fully, actively, and consciously in the liturgy, its texts and rites must be clear and understandable. The connection between words and rites must be easy to grasp. Latin should be retained, but the vernacular may be used in some parts of the liturgy.
* Scripture must take a central place in sacred liturgy.
* The liturgy is a communal event. Each member of the Church must perform his or her own role in the liturgy with reverence and decorum.
* God speaks to His people in the liturgy, instructing them, nourishing them, raising their minds to Him, and guiding them to proper worship.
* All reformations of the sacred liturgy must be carried out by the proper authorities, all of whom answer to the Apostolic See.
Chapter 2: The Most Sacred Mystery of the Eucharist
* The Eucharist perpetuates the sacrifice of the Cross. It is a sacred mystery in which the faithful are truly nourished by Jesus' Body and Blood.
* At every Mass, the lay faithful join the priest in offering the Divine Victim, and in doing so, they must offer themselves also that they might enter into a more perfect communion with God and each other.
* The “treasures of the Bible” must be lavishly poured out at ever Mass, and the faithful must realize that the Liturgy of the World and the Liturgy of the Eucharist form a single, united act of worship.
Chapter 3: The Other Sacraments and the Sacramentals
* The sacraments sanctify human beings, build up the Church, offer worship to God, instruct and nourish the faithful, and confer grace.
* The sacraments sanctify nearly every event in the lives of the faithful as divine grace flows from the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
* The rites of the sacraments must be updated so that the faithful clearly understand their signs and effects.
Chapter 4: The Divine Office
* The Divine Office, or Liturgy of the Hours, is the public prayer of the whole Church, both Head and members. It offers praise to God, intercedes for the entire world, and sanctifies each day.
* Those who pray the Divine Office, whether they are clergy, religious, or laity, must do so with attention and devotion. They must seek to understand what they are praying and to allow the Divine Office to nourish their piety and personal prayer.
Chapter 5: The Liturgical Year
* The Church unfolds the entire mystery of Christ throughout the liturgical year in order to allow the faithful to receive the riches of Christ and to make present His saving work.
* The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints by celebrating their feast days and acknowledging their merits, examples, intercession, and love.
* Sunday is “the original feast day” that commemorates Jesus' Resurrection. The faithful are bound to gather together on Sundays to listen to the Scriptures, take part in the Eucharistic celebration, and give thanks and praise to God.
* Lent is a time of special penance and fasting that helps the faithful repent of their sins and lift their minds to God.
Chapter 6: Sacred Music
* Sacred music is a “treasure of inestimable value” that gives glory to God and helps sanctify the faithful. It also enhances prayer and contributes to the solemnity of the sacred liturgy. This treasure must be “preserved and cultivated with great care.”
* The faithful should actively participate in sacred music during the liturgy. Gregorian chant retains “pride of place” in the liturgy, but other kinds of sacred music are allowed and encouraged.
Chapter 7: Sacred Art and Sacred Furnishings
* Sacred art expresses the beauty of God in a way people can experience and understand. In doing so, it raise people's minds to God and gives Him praise and glory.
* Works of sacred art must be protected and cultivated so that they may be “worthy, becoming, and beautiful signs and symbols of things supernatural.”
The full text of Sacrosanctum Concilium is available online on the Vatican website.
Here's a sampling of the topics and ideas you'll find in each section of Sacrosanctum Concilium:
Introduction
* The four goals of Vatican II are: 1. to increase the vigor of Christian life among the faithful; 2. to adapt to the needs of the modern world, at least in those institutions and traditions within the Church that are able to change; 3. to promote union among Christians; and 4. to call all people into the Church.
* The power of the liturgy enables the faithful to live the mystery of Christ, manifest the true nature of the Church, become temples of the Lord, and present Christ to the world.
* The Church is both human and divine, visible and invisible, active and contemplative.
Chapter 1: General Principles for the Restoration and Promotion of the Sacred Liturgy
* Jesus Christ is the source of the sacred liturgy.
* Jesus willed that His great work of salvation should continue through the sacraments, and since Jesus' Resurrection, the Church has celebrated the paschal mystery in sacred liturgy.
* Jesus is present in the sacrifice of the Mass in many ways and especially in the Eucharist.
* The liturgy is the public worship of the Church. It uses signs that are perceptible to human senses and is performed by the entire Mystical Body of Christ, both Head and members.
* The sacred liturgy allows us to experience the heavenly liturgy on earth.
* Faith and conversion are prerequisites to the celebration of the liturgy, which in turn helps Christians shine like lights in the world.
* The liturgy is the summit of the Church's activity and the fount of power and grace.
* The faithful must come to the liturgy with the proper dispositions. They must strive to be fully, actively, and consciously engaged in the liturgical celebration, participating both internally and externally in the sacred rites. The liturgy then pours over into their private prayer and into every aspect of their lives.
* Both clergy and laity must be instructed in the nature and practice of the liturgy.
* Some parts of the liturgy have been instituted by God and are unchangeable; others may and should change to meet the needs of modern world. Changes should not be made simply for the sake of change but for the good of the Church and in continuity with past and current practices.
* If the faithful are to participate fully, actively, and consciously in the liturgy, its texts and rites must be clear and understandable. The connection between words and rites must be easy to grasp. Latin should be retained, but the vernacular may be used in some parts of the liturgy.
* Scripture must take a central place in sacred liturgy.
* The liturgy is a communal event. Each member of the Church must perform his or her own role in the liturgy with reverence and decorum.
* God speaks to His people in the liturgy, instructing them, nourishing them, raising their minds to Him, and guiding them to proper worship.
* All reformations of the sacred liturgy must be carried out by the proper authorities, all of whom answer to the Apostolic See.
Chapter 2: The Most Sacred Mystery of the Eucharist
* The Eucharist perpetuates the sacrifice of the Cross. It is a sacred mystery in which the faithful are truly nourished by Jesus' Body and Blood.
* At every Mass, the lay faithful join the priest in offering the Divine Victim, and in doing so, they must offer themselves also that they might enter into a more perfect communion with God and each other.
* The “treasures of the Bible” must be lavishly poured out at ever Mass, and the faithful must realize that the Liturgy of the World and the Liturgy of the Eucharist form a single, united act of worship.
Chapter 3: The Other Sacraments and the Sacramentals
* The sacraments sanctify human beings, build up the Church, offer worship to God, instruct and nourish the faithful, and confer grace.
* The sacraments sanctify nearly every event in the lives of the faithful as divine grace flows from the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
* The rites of the sacraments must be updated so that the faithful clearly understand their signs and effects.
Chapter 4: The Divine Office
* The Divine Office, or Liturgy of the Hours, is the public prayer of the whole Church, both Head and members. It offers praise to God, intercedes for the entire world, and sanctifies each day.
* Those who pray the Divine Office, whether they are clergy, religious, or laity, must do so with attention and devotion. They must seek to understand what they are praying and to allow the Divine Office to nourish their piety and personal prayer.
Chapter 5: The Liturgical Year
* The Church unfolds the entire mystery of Christ throughout the liturgical year in order to allow the faithful to receive the riches of Christ and to make present His saving work.
* The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints by celebrating their feast days and acknowledging their merits, examples, intercession, and love.
* Sunday is “the original feast day” that commemorates Jesus' Resurrection. The faithful are bound to gather together on Sundays to listen to the Scriptures, take part in the Eucharistic celebration, and give thanks and praise to God.
* Lent is a time of special penance and fasting that helps the faithful repent of their sins and lift their minds to God.
Chapter 6: Sacred Music
* Sacred music is a “treasure of inestimable value” that gives glory to God and helps sanctify the faithful. It also enhances prayer and contributes to the solemnity of the sacred liturgy. This treasure must be “preserved and cultivated with great care.”
* The faithful should actively participate in sacred music during the liturgy. Gregorian chant retains “pride of place” in the liturgy, but other kinds of sacred music are allowed and encouraged.
Chapter 7: Sacred Art and Sacred Furnishings
* Sacred art expresses the beauty of God in a way people can experience and understand. In doing so, it raise people's minds to God and gives Him praise and glory.
* Works of sacred art must be protected and cultivated so that they may be “worthy, becoming, and beautiful signs and symbols of things supernatural.”
The full text of Sacrosanctum Concilium is available online on the Vatican website.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
A Little Something Extra...Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Healing Power of God
Have you ever noticed how the Mass readings, especially the First Reading and the Gospel, fit together? They often emphasize similar themes or illustrate the same points. Today's readings are no exception; the First Reading, Psalm, and Gospel all explore the important themes of human suffering and God's healing touch. Let's take a closer look.
Today's First Reading, Job 7:1-4, 6-7, lays bare the depths of human pain and suffering. Everything in Job's life is going wrong. He has lost his family, his flocks, and even his good health. By the time we meet him in this reading, he is sitting in the ashes, covered head to foot in boils and absolutely miserable. Naturally, Job laments. Human life is all drudgery and slavery, he whines. People get no reward for their goodness and hard work. He complains of months of misery, sleepless nights, and days without hope or happiness. He even goes so far as to declare that he will never be happy again.
This is a pretty depressing reading, actually. We might even be a little glad when the lector proclaims, “The Word of the Lord.” But the tone changes as we begin the Psalm.
Psalm 147 is a song of praise. “Praise the Lord!” the psalmist exclaims. Why? God is good! He is gracious! He rebuilds Israel and gathers His people together. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. The powerful and wise God knows all the stars and calls each one by its name, which implies that He also knows each and every one of us and calls each of us by our name. He sustains the lowly and protects them from the wicked.
In other words, God is the answer to the human suffering that Job laments so emphatically. When we are broken and helpless, God comes to our aid and heals us. When we are miserable and hopeless, He lifts us up and fills us with His love. When we can't find meaning in the circumstances of our lives, we can always find meaning in Him. The Psalm becomes a faith-filled, hope-filled response to the First Reading. We may suffer, but we always have Someone to turn to in our pain, Someone Who will always help us.
The Gospel shows us God's consoling and healing power in action. When Jesus enters the house of Simon and Andrew, He finds Simon's mother-in-law sick with a fever. He doesn't hesitate. The instant He discovers her illness, He approaches her, grasps her hands, and helps her up. The fever leaves her immediately, and she responds with grateful service.
Word spreads quickly about this miraculous healing, and people line up on Simon's doorstep, bringing those who are sick and those possessed by evil spirits. Like Job, many of them probably feel helpless and hopeless. They are all seeking healing, wholeness, meaning, and an end to their misery.
And they find it. Jesus heals every one of them. He doesn't stop there. After a period of prayer, of deep intimacy between Jesus and His Father, Jesus moves on to nearby villages where He continues to heal all those who come to Him. His ministry spreads throughout the whole of Galilee.
In the Gospel, then, we get a close-up view of God's healing power, of His response to human suffering and misery. We receive much-needed reassurance that God loves us, cares for us, heals us, and brings us into an intimate relationship with Him.
Have you ever noticed how the Mass readings, especially the First Reading and the Gospel, fit together? They often emphasize similar themes or illustrate the same points. Today's readings are no exception; the First Reading, Psalm, and Gospel all explore the important themes of human suffering and God's healing touch. Let's take a closer look.
Today's First Reading, Job 7:1-4, 6-7, lays bare the depths of human pain and suffering. Everything in Job's life is going wrong. He has lost his family, his flocks, and even his good health. By the time we meet him in this reading, he is sitting in the ashes, covered head to foot in boils and absolutely miserable. Naturally, Job laments. Human life is all drudgery and slavery, he whines. People get no reward for their goodness and hard work. He complains of months of misery, sleepless nights, and days without hope or happiness. He even goes so far as to declare that he will never be happy again.
This is a pretty depressing reading, actually. We might even be a little glad when the lector proclaims, “The Word of the Lord.” But the tone changes as we begin the Psalm.
Psalm 147 is a song of praise. “Praise the Lord!” the psalmist exclaims. Why? God is good! He is gracious! He rebuilds Israel and gathers His people together. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. The powerful and wise God knows all the stars and calls each one by its name, which implies that He also knows each and every one of us and calls each of us by our name. He sustains the lowly and protects them from the wicked.
In other words, God is the answer to the human suffering that Job laments so emphatically. When we are broken and helpless, God comes to our aid and heals us. When we are miserable and hopeless, He lifts us up and fills us with His love. When we can't find meaning in the circumstances of our lives, we can always find meaning in Him. The Psalm becomes a faith-filled, hope-filled response to the First Reading. We may suffer, but we always have Someone to turn to in our pain, Someone Who will always help us.
The Gospel shows us God's consoling and healing power in action. When Jesus enters the house of Simon and Andrew, He finds Simon's mother-in-law sick with a fever. He doesn't hesitate. The instant He discovers her illness, He approaches her, grasps her hands, and helps her up. The fever leaves her immediately, and she responds with grateful service.
Word spreads quickly about this miraculous healing, and people line up on Simon's doorstep, bringing those who are sick and those possessed by evil spirits. Like Job, many of them probably feel helpless and hopeless. They are all seeking healing, wholeness, meaning, and an end to their misery.
And they find it. Jesus heals every one of them. He doesn't stop there. After a period of prayer, of deep intimacy between Jesus and His Father, Jesus moves on to nearby villages where He continues to heal all those who come to Him. His ministry spreads throughout the whole of Galilee.
In the Gospel, then, we get a close-up view of God's healing power, of His response to human suffering and misery. We receive much-needed reassurance that God loves us, cares for us, heals us, and brings us into an intimate relationship with Him.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Vatican II: The Holy Spirit's Gift to the Modern Church
The Holy Spirit often works in surprising ways. He certainly caught Catholic Church leaders off guard when, on January 25, 1959, He inspired Pope John XXIII to announce his intention to convene an ecumenical council. The Pope had been elected only three months before, but he was willing to allow the Spirit to use him to bestow great gifts on the modern Church.
Pope John officially summoned the council on Christmas Day, 1961, with the Apostolic Constitution Humanae Salutis. The Holy Father often said that the time had come to bring the Church “up-to-date” and to “open the windows of the Church to let in some fresh air.” Now, this did not mean that the Council would, or could, change the Church's age-old teachings. The Council's task was, rather, to make those teachings more accessible and understandable to the modern world. The Pope also expected the Council to promote unity between all Christians; examine the Church's position in and responsibility toward the world; and help the Church better recognize and respond to the world's concerns and needs. He prayed that the Council would be a new Pentecost and that the Holy Spirit would guide the Church through a fruitful period of renewal.
Many bishops were less than enthusiastic about the Council. They figured they would just be restating, yet again, traditional theological formulas and issuing, yet again, warnings to the modern world. The Pope urged the bishops to move beyond this narrow view and take a more optimistic stance toward the Council. They ought to see it as an opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to work through them, he encouraged. They were in a unique position to restate the Church's doctrine in fresh, new words that would express the truth in a way that modern people would find meaningful and clear.
Ultimately, the bishops proved themselves up for the challenge. Over the course of four years, from 1962 through 1965, they produced sixteen remarkable documents that do indeed present the depths and riches of the Catholic faith by using up-to-date, understandable language; including dozens, even hundreds, of references to the Scriptures, the saints, and previous councils; and drawing from both pastoral experience and the insights of theologians and scholars. The Holy Spirit was truly at work, guiding the bishops as they discussed, debated, researched, wrote, and finally bestowed a great gift upon the Church and the world, namely, the documents of Vatican II.
Sadly, most Catholics have refused to accept this gift, for they have not read and studied the documents of Vatican II. Moreover, since they have not taken the time to delve into the riches these documents have to offer, they are often mislead by popular but faulty interpretations.
All Catholics need the documents of Vatican II for themselves. The Holy Spirit is holding out an invitation: “Come! Read! Learn the truth about God, about the Church, about the world, about yourselves.” These documents are readily available on the Internet. They are not overly difficult to read, nor are they dry or boring. In fact, they offer plenty of opportunities for prayer and meditation along with vital facts that every Catholic needs to know.
Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting introductions to each of the Vatican II documents. Each introduction will provide an overview of the document, an outline of the topics and ideas found therein, and a few tantalizing quotations to whet the appetite and encourage further exploration.
The Holy Spirit often works in surprising ways. He speaks through the documents of Vatican II, which are His great gift to the modern Church. Catholics need to open their hearts and listen.
Sources: The Compact History of the Catholic Church by Alan Schreck and “Second Vatican Council” at Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Vatican_Council)
Pope John officially summoned the council on Christmas Day, 1961, with the Apostolic Constitution Humanae Salutis. The Holy Father often said that the time had come to bring the Church “up-to-date” and to “open the windows of the Church to let in some fresh air.” Now, this did not mean that the Council would, or could, change the Church's age-old teachings. The Council's task was, rather, to make those teachings more accessible and understandable to the modern world. The Pope also expected the Council to promote unity between all Christians; examine the Church's position in and responsibility toward the world; and help the Church better recognize and respond to the world's concerns and needs. He prayed that the Council would be a new Pentecost and that the Holy Spirit would guide the Church through a fruitful period of renewal.
Many bishops were less than enthusiastic about the Council. They figured they would just be restating, yet again, traditional theological formulas and issuing, yet again, warnings to the modern world. The Pope urged the bishops to move beyond this narrow view and take a more optimistic stance toward the Council. They ought to see it as an opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to work through them, he encouraged. They were in a unique position to restate the Church's doctrine in fresh, new words that would express the truth in a way that modern people would find meaningful and clear.
Ultimately, the bishops proved themselves up for the challenge. Over the course of four years, from 1962 through 1965, they produced sixteen remarkable documents that do indeed present the depths and riches of the Catholic faith by using up-to-date, understandable language; including dozens, even hundreds, of references to the Scriptures, the saints, and previous councils; and drawing from both pastoral experience and the insights of theologians and scholars. The Holy Spirit was truly at work, guiding the bishops as they discussed, debated, researched, wrote, and finally bestowed a great gift upon the Church and the world, namely, the documents of Vatican II.
Sadly, most Catholics have refused to accept this gift, for they have not read and studied the documents of Vatican II. Moreover, since they have not taken the time to delve into the riches these documents have to offer, they are often mislead by popular but faulty interpretations.
All Catholics need the documents of Vatican II for themselves. The Holy Spirit is holding out an invitation: “Come! Read! Learn the truth about God, about the Church, about the world, about yourselves.” These documents are readily available on the Internet. They are not overly difficult to read, nor are they dry or boring. In fact, they offer plenty of opportunities for prayer and meditation along with vital facts that every Catholic needs to know.
Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting introductions to each of the Vatican II documents. Each introduction will provide an overview of the document, an outline of the topics and ideas found therein, and a few tantalizing quotations to whet the appetite and encourage further exploration.
The Holy Spirit often works in surprising ways. He speaks through the documents of Vatican II, which are His great gift to the modern Church. Catholics need to open their hearts and listen.
Sources: The Compact History of the Catholic Church by Alan Schreck and “Second Vatican Council” at Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Vatican_Council)
Sunday, January 29, 2012
A Little Something Extra...Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus' Authority
Today's Gospel shows us Jesus' authority both in teaching and in expelling an unclean spirit.
Use your imagination, and place yourself in the scene. You are sitting in the synagogue at Capernaum with your fellow Jews. You go to the synagogue every week to hear the Scriptures, pray, and listen to the teaching of the scribes. As you wait for the service to begin, you can't help but think of the work you have to do the rest of the week, for you are a fishermen in this little village on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee.
As the service begins, a Man stands up to teach. You've heard of Him. He is Jesus of Nazareth. A few of your neighbors, fellow fishermen Peter and his brother Andrew and James and his brother John, have recently become His followers. You've heard rumors about what happened when He spoke at the synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth. He had read from the scroll of Isaiah, the famous passage about the anointed one who is to come, and He had declared that the passage was now fulfilled. Could He really be the Messiah? You lean forward anxiously, curious about what He will way.
As you listen to Jesus, you become more and more astonished. He announces that now is the time of fulfillment. He speaks of the Kingdom of God, which is at hand.. He urges you to repent of your sins and believe in the Gospel.
There is something different about the way Jesus teaches. His words are powerful, forceful. They go straight to your heart. You have a sense that this Man knows exactly what He's talking about and has the right to say everything He's saying. He doesn't raise His voice. He doesn't shout or point or wave His hands. But He radiates confidence and firmness. And something else... You can't quite put your finger on it. You've never heard anything quite like this. Certainly the scribes never teach this way. In Jesus there is no hesitation, no uncertainty, no equivocation, just pure authority. You wonder Who He really is, and you are struck with a deep sense of awe and even a little fear.
Then you witness something even more startling. A man whom you know must be possessed by some unclean spirit cries out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God!” These words are followed by a shocked silence. You wonder what's going to happen next.
You look at Jesus. He doesn't seem shocked or bothered by the man's words. He looks at the man and calmly says, “Quiet! Come out of him!” There is a loud cry that makes you jump. The possessed man convulses and then lies still. When he sits up, you can tell immediately that he is a different person. The unclean spirit is gone!
After a few moments of stunned silence, the synagogue erupts in whispers. Your neighbor leans over, and you see your own wide-eyed, opened-mouthed expression reflected on his face. “What is this?” he says, “Who is this that commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him?” You can hear similar words spoken all around you. You can't quite decide how you feel about what you've just seen...amazement, wonder, terror all blended together. But you're sure of one thing: Jesus of Nazareth has more authority in word and action than anyone you've ever seen before.
Today's Gospel shows us Jesus' authority both in teaching and in expelling an unclean spirit.
Use your imagination, and place yourself in the scene. You are sitting in the synagogue at Capernaum with your fellow Jews. You go to the synagogue every week to hear the Scriptures, pray, and listen to the teaching of the scribes. As you wait for the service to begin, you can't help but think of the work you have to do the rest of the week, for you are a fishermen in this little village on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee.
As the service begins, a Man stands up to teach. You've heard of Him. He is Jesus of Nazareth. A few of your neighbors, fellow fishermen Peter and his brother Andrew and James and his brother John, have recently become His followers. You've heard rumors about what happened when He spoke at the synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth. He had read from the scroll of Isaiah, the famous passage about the anointed one who is to come, and He had declared that the passage was now fulfilled. Could He really be the Messiah? You lean forward anxiously, curious about what He will way.
As you listen to Jesus, you become more and more astonished. He announces that now is the time of fulfillment. He speaks of the Kingdom of God, which is at hand.. He urges you to repent of your sins and believe in the Gospel.
There is something different about the way Jesus teaches. His words are powerful, forceful. They go straight to your heart. You have a sense that this Man knows exactly what He's talking about and has the right to say everything He's saying. He doesn't raise His voice. He doesn't shout or point or wave His hands. But He radiates confidence and firmness. And something else... You can't quite put your finger on it. You've never heard anything quite like this. Certainly the scribes never teach this way. In Jesus there is no hesitation, no uncertainty, no equivocation, just pure authority. You wonder Who He really is, and you are struck with a deep sense of awe and even a little fear.
Then you witness something even more startling. A man whom you know must be possessed by some unclean spirit cries out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God!” These words are followed by a shocked silence. You wonder what's going to happen next.
You look at Jesus. He doesn't seem shocked or bothered by the man's words. He looks at the man and calmly says, “Quiet! Come out of him!” There is a loud cry that makes you jump. The possessed man convulses and then lies still. When he sits up, you can tell immediately that he is a different person. The unclean spirit is gone!
After a few moments of stunned silence, the synagogue erupts in whispers. Your neighbor leans over, and you see your own wide-eyed, opened-mouthed expression reflected on his face. “What is this?” he says, “Who is this that commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him?” You can hear similar words spoken all around you. You can't quite decide how you feel about what you've just seen...amazement, wonder, terror all blended together. But you're sure of one thing: Jesus of Nazareth has more authority in word and action than anyone you've ever seen before.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Recommended Reading: Current Selections
I've read so many good books lately that I thought I'd recommend a few.
1. Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre – Dr. Pitre guides readers through a fascinating examination of the Jewish roots of the Eucharist, focusing especially on Jewish expectations of the Messiah and the Eucharist as the new Passover, the manna of the Messiah, and the Bread of the Presence. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in developing a stronger devotion to the Eucharist.
2. A Biblical Walk through the Mass by Edward Sri – This is another must-read for all Catholics. Dr. Sri takes his readers on a fascinating journey through the Mass. He meticulously explains every part of the Mass in great detail and with an abundance of Scriptural background. I also recommend the DVDs and workbook that accompany this volume.
3. Catholicism by Robert Barron – One more must-read! Father Barron offers a comprehensive overview of Catholicism focusing especially on what he calls “the greatest principle” the Catholic faith, namely, the Incarnation. “Catholicism,” Father Barron explains in his Introduction, “is a matter of the body and the senses as much as it is a matter of the mind and the soul, precisely because the Word became flesh.” The rest of the book unfolds that claim as it examines the many dimensions of Catholicism. Be prepared to read this one more than once.
4. The Templars: The Secret History Revealed by Barbara Frale – Historian Barbara Frale discovered a highly interesting document as she was pouring over files in the Vatican Secret Archives. The transcript, which had been mislabel and tucked among other papers, revealed that Pope Clement V had actually absolved the Knights Templar of all charges of heresy. Frale offers an engaging account of Templar history from the foundation of the Order through its tragic end.
5. The Mirror of Her Dreams and A Man Rides Through by Stephen R. Donaldson – My best friend got me started in the fantasy genre, and I've found myself enjoying it immensely. These two books comprise Donaldson's Mordant's Need set. New Yorker Teresa Morgan steps through a mirror to find herself swept into a world filled with political machinations, magic, danger, and surprisingly, love. These books have a fascinating plot, well-developed characters, and a detailed medieval-style world. If you're a fantasy lover or want to give the genre a try, read these!
6. Harry Potter and History by Nancy Ruth Reagin – This collection of essays presents aspects of Muggle and wizarding history in a fun and entertaining manner. Readers are treated to the real history of Nicholas Flamel (was his grave really empty?); a fascinating discussion of medieval manuscripts; diverse expositions on such topics as early modern witch hunts, werewolves, British boarding schools, medieval magic, writing history; and much more.
7. Cole Younger: Last of the Great Outlaws by Homer Croy – Homer Croy's writing is humorous, entertaining, and just plain fun. He presents portraits of Cole Younger and Belle Starr that, while not completely historically accurate, provide an interesting glimpse into the “outlaw days” following the Civil War.
8. The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston – This is one of the most unique novels I've ever read. It tells the story of young New Hampshire woman, Frankie Pratt, who attends Vassar College in the early 1920s, works as a writer in New York City, and spends two years in late 1920s Paris. But here's the twist, each page in the book reproduces a page from Frankie's scrapbook, complete with all kinds of 1920s ephemera from drawings of dresses to advertisements for Maxwell House coffee. Check it out in the preview at Amazon to see for yourself.
9. The History Buff's Guide to the Civil War by Thomas R. Flagel – This is not your typical Civil War book! The author presents Civil War history in a series of “top ten” lists: Top Ten Causes of the Civil War”; “Top Ten Acts of Government”; “Top Ten Items in a Soldier's Diet”; “Top Ten Newspapers”; “Top Ten Firsts”; “Top Ten Military Blunders”; “Top Ten National Battlefield Sites”; and much more.
10. Lady Susan by Jane Austen – Austen adds a neat twist to this novel by organizing it as a series of letters between the main characters. The title character is a conniving, man-chasing widow. If you like Jane Austen, give this one a try.
Happy reading!
1. Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre – Dr. Pitre guides readers through a fascinating examination of the Jewish roots of the Eucharist, focusing especially on Jewish expectations of the Messiah and the Eucharist as the new Passover, the manna of the Messiah, and the Bread of the Presence. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in developing a stronger devotion to the Eucharist.
2. A Biblical Walk through the Mass by Edward Sri – This is another must-read for all Catholics. Dr. Sri takes his readers on a fascinating journey through the Mass. He meticulously explains every part of the Mass in great detail and with an abundance of Scriptural background. I also recommend the DVDs and workbook that accompany this volume.
3. Catholicism by Robert Barron – One more must-read! Father Barron offers a comprehensive overview of Catholicism focusing especially on what he calls “the greatest principle” the Catholic faith, namely, the Incarnation. “Catholicism,” Father Barron explains in his Introduction, “is a matter of the body and the senses as much as it is a matter of the mind and the soul, precisely because the Word became flesh.” The rest of the book unfolds that claim as it examines the many dimensions of Catholicism. Be prepared to read this one more than once.
4. The Templars: The Secret History Revealed by Barbara Frale – Historian Barbara Frale discovered a highly interesting document as she was pouring over files in the Vatican Secret Archives. The transcript, which had been mislabel and tucked among other papers, revealed that Pope Clement V had actually absolved the Knights Templar of all charges of heresy. Frale offers an engaging account of Templar history from the foundation of the Order through its tragic end.
5. The Mirror of Her Dreams and A Man Rides Through by Stephen R. Donaldson – My best friend got me started in the fantasy genre, and I've found myself enjoying it immensely. These two books comprise Donaldson's Mordant's Need set. New Yorker Teresa Morgan steps through a mirror to find herself swept into a world filled with political machinations, magic, danger, and surprisingly, love. These books have a fascinating plot, well-developed characters, and a detailed medieval-style world. If you're a fantasy lover or want to give the genre a try, read these!
6. Harry Potter and History by Nancy Ruth Reagin – This collection of essays presents aspects of Muggle and wizarding history in a fun and entertaining manner. Readers are treated to the real history of Nicholas Flamel (was his grave really empty?); a fascinating discussion of medieval manuscripts; diverse expositions on such topics as early modern witch hunts, werewolves, British boarding schools, medieval magic, writing history; and much more.
7. Cole Younger: Last of the Great Outlaws by Homer Croy – Homer Croy's writing is humorous, entertaining, and just plain fun. He presents portraits of Cole Younger and Belle Starr that, while not completely historically accurate, provide an interesting glimpse into the “outlaw days” following the Civil War.
8. The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston – This is one of the most unique novels I've ever read. It tells the story of young New Hampshire woman, Frankie Pratt, who attends Vassar College in the early 1920s, works as a writer in New York City, and spends two years in late 1920s Paris. But here's the twist, each page in the book reproduces a page from Frankie's scrapbook, complete with all kinds of 1920s ephemera from drawings of dresses to advertisements for Maxwell House coffee. Check it out in the preview at Amazon to see for yourself.
9. The History Buff's Guide to the Civil War by Thomas R. Flagel – This is not your typical Civil War book! The author presents Civil War history in a series of “top ten” lists: Top Ten Causes of the Civil War”; “Top Ten Acts of Government”; “Top Ten Items in a Soldier's Diet”; “Top Ten Newspapers”; “Top Ten Firsts”; “Top Ten Military Blunders”; “Top Ten National Battlefield Sites”; and much more.
10. Lady Susan by Jane Austen – Austen adds a neat twist to this novel by organizing it as a series of letters between the main characters. The title character is a conniving, man-chasing widow. If you like Jane Austen, give this one a try.
Happy reading!
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