Book Review - Many are Called: Rediscovering the Glory of the Priesthood by Scott Hahn

Many people often skip over the introduction to a book, eager to get to the “meat” of the story. However, when done properly, the Introduction should get the reader excited to read the rest of the story. The introduction sets the stage for the book and encourages the reader to move ahead with an open mind and heart, allowing himself or herself to truly enter into the pages. Cardinal Dolan’s introduction does just that. It sets the scene of excitement for the priesthood, while Hahn delivers page after page, chapter after chapter of reinvigoration for the glory of the priesthood.

The early chapters take the reader through what it means to be a man and what it means to be a priest. This is expanded upon as Hahn gently reviews the Old Testament view and role of the priest, highlighting the book of Genesis, Exodus, Judges, Chronicles, and Kings drawing on the examples of Abraham, Noah, Moses, David, and others.

As the book progresses, Hahn speaks to the specific roles of the priest and how Christ changes, or rather fulfills, those roles during His life and ministry. He illustrates how those who are called to the priesthood in the early days of the Church as well as today continue to fulfill the role of the priest as mediator, provider, teacher and other traits God has given to men.

This book dissects the meaning of the word “father” and how our priests live up to that name through their spiritual fatherhood and their teaching through word and example. It excites the reader by giving examples of courageous and heroic priests on literal battlefields in war and those spiritual wars fought in our parishes. The book explores the wisdom and counsel of priests both in the early Church and today, turning the readers’ attention to the glory of the priesthood.

One of the most intriguing chapters notes the complementarity of marriage and the priesthood, highlighting the beauty of priestly celibacy. As a former married Protestant minister, Hahn explains his personal experience with “balancing” devotion to two spouses—his wife and his congregation. He also states that it is through his vocation of marriage that he has come to a great appreciation for priestly celibacy. Drawing on God’s plan for men through creation and the complete gift of self He calls all men to, Hahn explains that neither vocation devalues the other, but they compliment each other.

Hahn delivers, once again, a real, readable, relatable look into the beauty of Christ’s Church, namely the priesthood of Jesus Christ. I would recommend this book for anyone, especially someone considering a vocation to priesthood. It is not limited to those individuals, however. This book can be of great use to the lay faithful who, after years of scandal and attacks on the priesthood, need a reminder of the true beauty and glory of Christ’s priesthood and those He calls to share in it.

Some Notable quotes:
“In the priest, we come to see fatherhood that goes beyond the biological dimension. In a mortal man, we encounter a priesthood whose offering is eternal”

“The Almighty, after all, can give himself as simple bread. It’s no trouble for him to send his Word by way of the simplest words, even when they’re stammered out and stumbled over.”

‘Consuming the Word’ Gives Something to Chew On: A book review on Scott Hahn’s “Consuming the Word”

I have always enjoyed Scott Hahn’s writing style. He makes theology personal and relatable. Almost anyone can pick up one of his short books and get an awful lot out of them. Depending on where one is on his or her faith journey would determine the particular book selection. Hahn has a particular style of writing which gives his readers a lot of meat to chew on. He fills each book with solid theology sandwiched with personal reflection and experience. Whether you are more advanced in your study of theology or just beginning, Scott Hahn’s works can certainly charge and re-charge the theological portion of the brain. The most recent book I had the opportunity to read was Consuming the Word. (Available for purchase here)

In just under 160 pages (references included) Scott Hahn takes the mystery and beauty of the “New Testament” and dissects the true meaning of the phrase. He opens the reader’s eyes to what that term actually means. By drawing from the Old and New Testament, as well as early Church writings, Hahn explains that the New Testament is not just a collection of books in the Bible. He draws on the Word of God—both Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ to explain, in a beautiful way, the gift Catholics have in the Eucharist and the sacred Liturgy.

It is remarkable what is contained within two simple words. In Consuming the Word, the reader is given a wonderful foretaste of Systematic Theology. Hahn’s book is extremely academic without seeming to be so. He combines several areas of Catholic theology—Sacred Scripture, Church History, Patristics, Sacramental Theology, and Dogmatic Theology—in a very relaxed way.

If you are interested in starting to read Scott Hahn, I recommend beginning with Rome Sweet Home, then The Lamb’s Supper, and then Consuming the Word. This sequence should prove beneficial for the reader to get a grasp of Hahn’s writing style, as well as delve deeper into the mystery of the Mass and Eucharist, all the while becoming more and more interested in and on fire for the Catholic faith. I encourage readers to pick up a copy today.

My Teacher Says I'm Special

Growing up, my school assemblies would always talk about self-esteem. It seems that elementary schools in the late 80’s and 90’s (sorry for my older readers-I don’t mean to rub it in your face) had this one major issue on their minds. It would seem to be up to the teachers of that decade to instill within students like myself that we are “special.” We have a value and a purpose and we should see that. A common phrase used was, “Can’t we all just get along?” The push for such education can be justified—just as anti-bullying programs are justifiable today. What started as an attempt to boost self-confidence and love of oneself has, in a way, naturally transformed itself into what theologians and philosophers call relativism.

Relativism is the belief that all ideas, opinions, beliefs, etc. hold the same value. It implies that there is no universal truth. (If I’m ok, you’re ok, everything is ok) If I want to believe that 2+2=5, then who are you to tell me otherwise? Obviously that example is a bit extreme, but if we look at some of the issues we face as Catholics today, we can clearly see this philosophy at work. Issues such as the redefinition of marriage, abortion, artificial contraception, embryonic stem cell research, and other hot button topics can be linked to this idea that there is no natural or universal law or truth. The flip side of these issues places the Catholic Church in a position where it may “suffer greatly” (Matthew 16:21) when they stand up for a universal truth.

By constantly hearing “I love me for me” and “It’s ok to be me” led many of my generation to the next obvious question—Who is this “me” I am supposed to love, or more grammatically correct, “Who am I?” Finding who “me” is for many of my peers and others in my generation meant that they would or could redefine their identity. Even though I grew up in a fairly middle-class suburb in central New Jersey, many of my friends decided that they would fabricate this ideal that we lived in the ghetto. People in my middle and high school claimed to be from the School of Hard Knocks, when in reality they lived in a 5 bedroom house with a maid and a landscaper. Other false identities quickly followed based on what we saw in movies, listened to in music, and what we saw others doing. Was this just typical adolescence? Perhaps—or perhaps because it was coupled with a “find yourself…love yourself...don’t let anyone try and change you” attitude, we are now faced with many other forms of redefinition today.

Through my school assemblies, I was taught that just because someone is different than I am does not give me the right to feel like I am more important or entitled to more than that person. It certainly doesn’t give me the right to hurt or make fun of that person either. This teaching is true and remains true to this day. In fact as Catholics, we believe in the dignity of all human beings regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, looks, wealth, or sinfulness. Yet when we stand up for what we believe in we are labeled, by some, as old fashioned, haters, bigots, and worse. So how do we as Catholics stand up for truth in a loving way?

Without putting this type of formation in the correct context, there is no wonder why we have allowed the world to form such a thought process which leads to relativism. The Church teaches the fact that we are all created by God with a dignity. We were created by God who is love (1 John 4:8). We were created out of love, for love, and we deserve nothing less than love. So yes we are supposed to respect and love all of God’s creations, including ourselves. Yet God calls us out of ourselves in the Gospels, saying to deny ourselves for the sake of His Kingdom. We are to deny the world and not conform to it (Romans 12:1-2). We must stand up for the universal truth, God’s truth and His law must govern our lives. We may suffer greatly for this in terms of the world. Yet if we do not, the world will suffer greatly. How do we do this? Love. Love till it hurts. Love when it feels like the Lord “duped you.” (Jeremiah 20:7) Love as God loved. Love to death.

I Firmly Resolve

It is that time of year again when people pull out their “goal” for the next year. Most people call it a resolution. Others seem to call it a false promise to yourself. When we think about New Year’s Resolutions, we usually set a lofty goal that will, in some shape or form, work towards our benefit. People join a gym, buy exercise equipment, or research diets in order to “live healthier in 2013.” As a personal trainer, my first job at a gym was set to begin January 1st a few years back. That was my first job offer. The “resolution” to live healthy or get in shape is so prominent that I was going to get paid (very well) to help people commit to their goal.
We all know, however, that many resolutions are often too lofty and unattainable. Perhaps 365 days is to big of a measure for a goal and we need to focus on shorter terms. I would always make short programs for my clients—-about 3 weeks in length. Rather than focusing on the long term goal of losing 15 pounds over the course of 12 weeks, I would set up short term, easily attainable goals: Week 1. I will motivate myself to go to the gym this week by laying out my gym clothes each night before I go to sleep; Week 2. I will master the technique of Exercise A and B this week; Week 3. I will work out an extra day this week by doing something fun—rock climbing, playing basketball, etc. The list of weekly goals would continue. By the 12th week, not only would the client enjoy their workout routine and want to continue it, but many would find that they lost more weight or gained more muscle than they anticipated.
The same thing is true in our resolutions of faith, namely our resolve to “go and sin no more” after we confess our sins in reconciliation. There are different versions of our “Act of Contrition,” but the one I was taught growing up includes the phrase, “I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to do my penance, and amend my life…” That is an extremely attainable resolution, if we take it little by little. Let us make a different kind of New Year’s resolution for 2013. Let’s start with getting right with the Lord through confession. Whether it has been a week or 40 years, let us resolve to 1. confess our sins; 2. do our penance; and 3. Amend our lives. It can be done, little by little, and by the time we look at the scale of our spiritual weight, we fill find that our faith has become much stronger than we originally set out for.

Sorry, Bo Peep!

“Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture…” The Lord sends us all a wake up call with the readings this week. First we hear from Jeremiah as he informs his listeners of the Lord’s faithfulness to his flock. Jeremiah warns the “bad shepherds” of the time by letting them know that the Good Shepherd is coming and the Good Shepherd will gather his flock and lead them to green pastures, as we read in the Psalms. In the Gospel, we hear about the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. And as the Good Shepherd, Jesus does not leave his flock when they need Him. He puts their needs before His own.

The Disciples had returned from their long journeys. They were tired and hungry. They were looking for a quiet place to rest when the crowds came to them. It is in this moment that Jesus taught his Disciples (and continues to teach us today) a valuable lesson. There are times when we want to take a break from ministry. We each have our own unique mission in life that the Lord calls us to—some are called to ministry by serving the sick as a doctor or a nurse. Others are called to educate as parents and teachers. Still others are called to provide jobs and financial support for people in the business world. However “ministry” takes shape in our lives, it can become tiresome. We grow weary and sometimes we would love to find a quiet place to rest. Jesus teaches us that even in those times, it is important to see the needs of others and give of ourselves even more.

While it is very important to find time for retreat, relaxation, and rest (even Jesus found time to go off by himself to pray) Jesus calls us to give ourselves to the service of others and when we feel like we cannot give anymore—give. Even though that seems like a lot ask, think of what happens when we choose to take for ourselves instead of giving. What example does that set for those who ask for our help and we turn them away because we are too tired or “not in the mood”? As Jeremiah exclaimed in the first reading, “Woe to the shepherds who mislead my flock”

Life is Simple

Life is simple when we live simply! It is by this motto that I am trying to live my life and pave the way for my family. My wife and I do not make a lot of money in the eyes of the world, but over the past year we have experienced an unexplainable joy—a true joy that cannot come from a beautiful home, money in the bank, or even a dream job. From renting a one-bedroom apartment to now living with my in-laws, our living situation has been less than ideal, but through this time, we have grown closer to one another and our Lord. Our first year of marriage certainly has been a test of how “simple” life can be. Simple, of course, does not mean easy.

We have given up the search for the perfect house—simply because it does not exist and even if it did, it cannot bring us happiness. All too often we hear about how great the market is to buy a house. “It’s a buyer’s market...interest rates are at their lowest...why rent when you can own?” While the interest rates and house prices continue to drop, it is a BAD market—not a buyers market. The housing market is ugly and doesn’t look like it will be improving soon. My wife and I have gone from looking to invest in a house to buying a home. A home is not an investment—it’s a safe place for families to be nurtured and grow. A home is where my wife and I will develop our “Domestic Church” as Vatican II calls each family. The house, condo, or apartment does not produce this—the family does.

While we continue to search for a home, I can’t help but think of the homes in which Jesus lived and how Joseph and Mary prepared Jesus for His ministry by living simply. From Bethlehem to Egypt to Nazareth, the Holy Family lived simply. If we look at the Nativity scene, we find Jesus living amongst the animals in the manger. Shortly after, Joseph took the family to Egypt, where there was no job waiting for him—we can assume that he had to find work and a place to live for the time they spent there. Finally, in Nazareth, we know that Joseph was a carpenter. There is no mention of lavish living or palaces for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They lived simply.
This carries into Jesus’ public ministry, especially in when He sends his disciples out two by two. His instructions-live simply! “Take nothing with you but a walking stick.” He tells them. As Jesus himself traveled, that is how He lived. He and His disciples did not stay in luxurious hotels. Jesus did not build a 13 bedroom mansion for them to return to and retire in. Instead, they were constantly traveling, staying where they could rest their head—even if that meant around a campfire.

How simple of a lifestyle these men lived. The Disciples trusted completely in the Lord providing for them. They took their example from Jesus who took His example from his humble beginnings, being raised by a carpenter and his humble wife. We can learn from this example as well. For instance, when I look at all the “things” and “stuff” that I so desperately want to give my family I remember the words, “Take nothing with you for the journey, but a walking stick.” In that sentence, Jesus tells us that our life is a journey and the journey can be hard, but it can be even harder when you have to carry all these things on your back. The road may be steep and windy at times, but with a walking stick, the climb is a bit simpler. Jesus also lends us a hint as to what matters in life—obviously “things” and “stuff” are not important, but what’s more? THE JOURNEY is important. It is the journey that leads us home.

Take a Vacation...grow in your faith!

The picture above is from my honeymoon last year in Antigua. Yes, my wife and I are coming up on our 1st Anniversary-feel free to send us a gift! All joking aside, I cannot believe it has been a year since the last time I took a real vacation. After the non-stop planning and running around associated with the wedding, it was such a relaxing, wonderful experience. Between working a few jobs and completing my Master’s degree and my wife working about 50-60 hours per week, it was the first time we got to spend alone together; it was our first vacation.
Usually when we think of summer vacation, we think of unplugging and shutting ourselves off from the world. We go camping or head down the shore (I’m a Wildwood/Cape May kind of guy), fly to the Carolinas, or take a cruise. Whatever your vacation desires are, I bet “growing in holiness” isn’t on the top of many people’s priority lists. Vacation=taking a break from every day life. True, but it cannot = a break from faith.
I can’t think of a more perfect time to grow in our faith than when we are free from the noise and chaos of our everyday lives. Vacation can almost be a mini retreat experience. We do not have the distraction of work, school, or rush hour traffic. We make our own schedule and do what we want to do.
If you are like me, there are some must haves during my vacation. First, I enjoy walking on the beach first thing in the morning. If I am up for the walk, I can certainly find a local Church for daily Mass. (just go to masstimes.org and type in a zip code to find a church!) What better way to start the day than by giving thanks to God for the opportunity to have a vacation?
Second, I always bring a book or two. I have now made it a habit to bring at least two spiritual books with me when I travel, just in case I get bored with one. I am not saying that we all need to be reading the Summa of St. Thomas Aquinas or the entire Catechism (Although, if your up to it go for it!). What I am saying is that by opening our minds to some spiritual reading during our vacations, the Lord can sometimes speak to us more clearly—especially without the many distractions of life. What we learn may even help us when we return home and take up our everyday tasks and occupations.
Finally, I need to pray. It is so easy to pray when we are at the beach or even on a hike. When we surround ourselves with God’s wonderful creation, how easy is it for us to say, “Wow, God is great,” or “Thanks for making this world so beautiful.” By doing this, we really begin to experience God’s presence everywhere. We may even begin to realize that we cannot escape Him and He truly is with us wherever we go. So go! Take a vacation!

For Greater Glory - Movie Review

A MUST SEE FILM!

For Greater Glory is about the Cristiada, or Cristero War, in Mexico during the 1920s. Since seeing the movie on Friday June 1st, I cannot help but replay many of the scenes in my head. The imagery was beautiful, the story—captivating. What’s more, the reality of this historical tragedy hits close to home.

The movie opens with the President of Mexico addressing the nation with his plan to restrict the practice of Catholicism including Mass and clerical garb for clergy. The President’s reasoning behind his new law was to modernize the country and rid it of “religious fanatics and superstition.” The initial reaction of the people is passive and there seemed to be an overwhelming consensus that this new law would be temporary. The Mexican government attempted to silence non-violent protests by making the consequences known to the public. Priests were dragged out of churches and killed, while Sacred images were burned and destroyed.

Taking the battle for freedom in their own hands, groups of “Cristeros” all over Mexico were fighting back against the government, engaging in violent battles with the Federales (the Mexican Federal Police). The Cristeros began to organize and formed an army to better strategize with hopes to overthrow the government and restore religious freedom to Mexico. Under the guidance of a retired military general and strategist, Enrique Gorostieta (played by Andy Garcia), the Cristeros become a powerful force to be reckoned with.

Jose, a young altar boy, quickly captures your heart as you watch his child-like faith inspire believers and unbelievers in the film and in the audience alike. Jose stands the true test of his faith throughout the entire movie as he first assists local parish priests and later leaving his family to assist the Cristero movement. Jose’s unwavering faith and servant’s heart catches General Gorosieta’s attention taking him from a defender of religious freedom to a defender of faith.

The reality of this tragic era in Mexican history extends beyond the screen and into the heart of any person of faith. Living in a society today where religion and faith are often mocked and ridiculed as “superstition” and people of faith are called “fanatics,” we see yet another battle for personal freedom. With so much on the news about government mandates, religious freedom, and Church/State relations, perhaps we should look at what has been in order to prevent what could be.

This movie will make you wonder if you would have the courage to stand up for our faith to the point of imprisonment and martyrdom. Honestly, what would you do if our government issued laws and mandates stating that the Church cannot practice her religion freely? Would you think of it as something that “will never last?” or would you stand up against it? If it was illegal to say “Long live Christ the King,” would you still shout it from the rooftops?

It’s not what you said, it's how you said it.

Being married only 11 months, I already know that how I say something is equally important as the actual words I am speaking. When my wife asks, “How do I look?” and I respond with an unenthusiastic “Fine,” there is a miscommunication. For me, the word “fine” means that there is nothing wrong with the way she looks. Fine, however, can mean a great number of things. She wants to look better than fine—she wants to look beautiful, and even deeper than that, she wants to be appreciated. While I am thinking she looks beautiful and I am certainly thankful for God blessing me with such an amazing wife, what I says and how I say it can portray something less glamorous. Such a simple exchange of words, which on the surface seems so “everyday” can actually carry a deeper, more intimate expression.

For a long time in the Church, many of the faithful have been left confused with what was said and how it was said. When we say things like, “The bread will be distributed in the center aisle…” we can easily lead others to believe that the Holy Eucharist is simply bread—something much less glamorous than the “Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.” There is no wonder why so many Catholics do not believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. I will be the first to admit that Transubstantiation (the complete transformation of substance from bread and wine to Christ’s body and blood) is difficult to wrap our minds around. This has been the case since the beginning—look up John 6:60.

Just because something is difficult to understand or perceive does not make it false, instead it calls us to open our minds and challenges us to deepen our faith in what Christ teaches. It’s not necessarily what you say, ie. making a reference to Christ as the Bread of Life is perfectly fine, in fact it is taken directly from Scripture (it is also mentioned in the 2nd Eucharistic Prayer). It is, however HOW you say it—referring to the Eucharist as simply bread, is not accurate. On the same token, saying “wine” instead of Precious Blood is also false. Moreover, when the Church proclaims the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, she is truly annunciating what we believe and profess. It is our duty as believers to profess what we believe, to not shy away from teachings that are hard to understand. We are called to enter into a deeper understanding of what we believe. One of the best ways to do so is to bear witness to the truth—to say what we mean and mean what we say. After all, it’s what we say AND how we say it.

What's your sign?

As Catholics, we have become so accustomed to “rituals.” Some of these “rituals” become almost second nature to us. For example, we enter the Church and dip our fingers in Holy water and make the sign of the cross. Then, as we make our way to a pew, we genuflect and cross ourselves again. After that, we kneel to pray and make the sign of the cross yet again. And finally when our prayer is done, we cross ourselves one last time. Because we do this so often, we can sometimes forget what we are doing.

The sign of the cross is not simply an “on/off” switch for prayer. It isn’t a symbolic way of putting on an taking off our prayer hat. The sign of the cross is such a huge blessing in our lives. We get to bless ourselves in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—one God, three Persons—perhaps the greatest mystery of our faith. Think about it. When we enter/leave Church, when we pray, when we genuflect, we are invoking God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! We bless ourselves and call upon the very same God who created the Heavens and the Earth, who sent His only Son for our salvation, whose Holy Spirit was breathed upon the Apostles and each one of us during our Confirmation.

How vast and wonderful is God! We cannot even comprehend the depths of who he is! Yet we bless ourselves with the greatest mystery of our faith. Let’s make a conscious effort to avoid making this an empty motion of our faith. Let’s acknowledge what we are doing and let people know what our “sign” is—the sign of the Cross.

Who Needs a Superhero?

“God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Savior. In his Son and through him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1)

Many people think the Holy Spirit is a Christian’s super power. The Holy Spirit guided the authors of Sacred Scripture as well as descended upon the Apostles who were able to do marvelous things. The Holy Spirit has been likened to an impersonal “force” similar to the one from the Star Wars saga. The Holy Spirit is not a “power.” Theologically, a power is a rank of angels and since the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, he ranks higher than the angels-He is God. The Holy Spirit is not a “force,” but an encourager, a protector, and an advocate. As the Catechism states, in the Holy Spirit we become the adopted sons and daughters of God. As sons and daughters of God, through the Holy Spirit, we can call God “Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6).

It is through the Holy Spirit that we come to know God and His will for our lives. How many times did the apostles and followers of Jesus misunderstand His teachings and parables? How many times did they ask Him for signs and wonders? Yet once the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the Apostles, they understand all that was spoken to them (John 14:26) and they proclaim it to the ends of the earth. In a way it would seem as if the Apostles received a super power, because their uncertainty is replaced by wisdom and knowledge; their fears are replaced by fortitude. Peter, who once made the decision to deny our Lord was filled with counsel and courage to lead the early Church. Through their mission, many came to believe with piety and fear of the Lord. What others see as super powers, are given to us as gifts-gifts that keep on giving. (See Galatians 5:22-23) So I ask you, who needs a Super Hero?

At the Heart of the Gospel: Book Review

Whenever I read a book, I tend to mark pages that hold insightful quotes or powerful passages. While reading Christopher West’s, “At the Heart of the Gospel,” I nearly marked every page. At the Heart of the Gospel is not just a catchy title, but explains the purpose of this book and, I will go as far as saying, Theology of the Body as a whole. In the same way in which the body needs a heart to survive, it is not the be all and end all of what it means to be living. Theology of the Body, in turn, is not the be all and end all answer to the world’s problems. As John Paul II previously mentioned, and Christopher West now acclaims, the body offers the most in depth look at the Father’s love for us. In no way does it give us the complete picture, but it’s the best we have on this earth.

While his latest book is certainly readable for a large audience of those interested in the topic, I would recommend a brief familiarization with the topics at hand. Theology of the Body is becoming a “craze” in youth and young adult ministry. However, in my experience, many young people want to learn more about it without fully understanding what they are undertaking. There are preconceived notions by many young people which will leave them disappointed after studying this material. Theology of the Body is much more fruitful for those who study it in its proper context, that is, as a deeper look at how God created us and how that reveals God to man.

All in all, I found Christopher West’s newest book to be a phenomenal read. Of course, I am trying to be as objective as possible while not ignoring the fact that I focused a majority of my studies on this area of Theology. West truly has gift for taking the works of great theologians and philosophers and making it readable, relatable and understandable for today’s audiences. I would argue that I found the book much more enlightening because I have read West’s previous works as well as have a rooted knowledge in the subject matter. This is not to say that the book cannot be read with a basic understanding of TOB material.

West provides insights not only to John Paul II’s works, but numerous theologians and philosophers as well. Addressing many Catholic concerns of the present generations, West provides a glimmer of hope in what seems to be an ever-growing relativistic society. West presents solutions to major issues such as human sexuality, the definition of marriage, and the world’s utilitarian view of the body. All of which, I may add, are primary motivators in John Paul II’s call for the New Evangelization within the Church. The solution is simple-get to the Heart of the Gospel. Find out HOW and WHY God created men and women. Find out what purpose our bodies have. Find out what it means to be truly man and truly woman. View the body and sexuality in their proper context-not ugly or dirty, but beautifully created by God, for God.

Personal Reflection on the Holy Family

On December 28th I, along with seven others, piled into a 15-passenger van and headed to Minnesota. Why on earth would anyone want to go to Minnesota in the middle of winter in between Christmas and New Years? And why would they drive? The answer: A good friend of mine decided to get married in the heart of winter in one of the coldest states in the U.S. Because he was such a great friend (I consider him a brother) and the fact that I was in the wedding party, made me pack my bags and drive 26 hours to Minnesota. Flying was out of the question due to the fact that the holidays bring about jacked up airfare (over $1000 for my wife and I to fly there). Nevertheless, the Lord rewarded me in more ways than I could have hoped for.

I was amazed at the wedding. Not only did I meet one of the nicest families as I was introduced to my friend's new in-laws, but I experienced the Holy Family during this journey. As I witnessed my first wedding since my wife and I were united in July, I was overwhelmed by the devotion the bride and groom had to Christ. I witnessed their love of the Lord manifest in the celebration of their Nuptial Mass, which happened to fall on the feast of the Holy Family. As I explained to the couple during the reception, I had not felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in such a way in a long time. I never, with the exception of my own wedding, had been so prayerful during a wedding celebration. I thanked them for their constant focus and the way they made sure their guests knew who was at the center of their relationship. I felt as if we journeyed to Nazareth to be with the Holy Family simply because I was surrounded by holy familIES! The holiness and faithfulness of many of the couples in attendance also inspired me to live a life worthy of being called "Christian."

As I continue to reflect on the life Jesus, Mary, and Joseph lived during Jesus' childhood and adolescence, I am filled with excitement as I await the day I raise my own children-bringing them up in the ways of the faith. I have such great support and examples in my life to draw from. So, if you were to ask me if I traveled anywhere special this holiday season, the answer is YES!

Books I plan to read and review in 2012

"The Bible's Best Love Stories" by Allan F. Wright

"The Rite" by Matt Baglio

"At the Heart of the Gospel" by Christopher West

"Night of the Confessor" by Tomas Halik

Heart Throbs

If you have a teenage girl in your family or have watched any form of mainstream television this holiday season, you know the name Justin Bieber. Justin Bieber has become extremely famous over the past few years as the latest “teen sensation” and by virtue of that title he is a heart throb for many young girls. Bieber posted youtube videos of himself singing and playing numerous instruments and was discovered by an agent in 2008. Since then, he has become a platinum-selling, Grammy nominated artist. He has created his own perfume (which, by the way, the holiday commercials were hilarious), authored a book, and made numerous appearances on television shows and holiday specials singing alongside well-known artists like Carlos Santana and Mariah Carey. So why does this young artist attract so many teenage hearts? Justin Bieber is certainly in the world’s spotlight. His story inspires many to follow their dreams and not lose hope. People come from afar to see his concerts and live performances. However, I cannot help but think of the countless artists who were once heart throbs who are now “Dancing with the stars.” How long until Bieber’s fame and fortune pass away?

In the Old Testament reading from Mass this morning, Isaiah reminds us that there is one and only heart throb worth following and paying homage to as he prophesies Christ entering into this world. Christ enters in the most humble of ways—a poor woman and her husband give birth to our Lord in a manger. However, there is such beauty in this:

“Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.” (Isaiah 60)

Isaiah is not referring to Justin Bieber as a heart throb, or anyone in this world for that matter. Isaiah speaks of the Lord’s radiance and light shining in the darkness of the world. Once we allow ourselves to see past the limelight, past the fame and fortune, past the passing things of this world, we can see the face of God. How amazing the sight must have been for the magi—more radiant than any flawless diamond or jewel. The heavenly music sung and played by the angel choirs are beyond words (I’d take that music over Justin Bieber’s anyday!) They saw the radiance of pure love within their midst and their hearts throbbed and were overjoyed.

Allow Christ to be your heart throb-his light will shine when all else fades. He cannot be our flavor of the week or our passing teen sensation-his glory goes beyond all fame. We must only follow the stars that lead us to him, where our hearts will throb and be overflowed with his grace, mercy, and love.

Behold Your Mother

Bulletin Article 1/1/12

There are a few “hot button” issues that clearly divide Catholics from the rest of the Christian world. Next to the Eucharist, Mary sits at the top of the list. There has been much confusion and misguided information about Our Mother which has caused many to question and doubt the Catholic Church all together (this is called generalization, by the way). From the idea that Catholics “worship” Mary or the argument over her Immaculate Conception to her perpetual virginity, people seem to have a hard time understanding and believing what the Church teaches about the Blessed Virgin. In light of it being her feast day today, let us look at the most common prayer we have to Our Mother, The Hail Mary. This prominent prayer of the rosary is rooted in Scripture. Obviously the first half can be found in Luke’s account of Mary visiting Elizabeth, while the second half may need a bit more digging into Scripture to find its roots.

Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee
This is taken directly from Luke 1. We echo the archangel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary, “Hail Favored One,” we simply include her name.
Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Continuing the words of Elizabeth’s joyful greeting, we include the name of Jesus.

Holy Mary,
Many times in the New Testament Christians are referred to as “holy ones” (Eph 1:1, Phil 1:1, Col 1:2) Mary, in fact, was the first Christian who accepted Christ into her womb through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is also clear from the accounts of Mary in the Gospels that she was a holy woman as she recited many Psalms and Jewish prayer during the Annunciation and Visitation. Her Magnificat is an Old Testament prayer. (check out 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and then read Luke 1:46-55). It is only fitting that we call her “Holy.”

Mother of God
Not all Christians will call Mary the Mother of God as we do. In fact, many heresies arose in the early church of the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ. We uphold that Jesus was fully God and fully man and therefore Mary as the mother of Jesus is the mother of God (the feast we celebrate today). In Greek she is called theotokos (God bearer).

Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
Many non-Catholics will argue that there is only one mediator between God and man—Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). This is correct, however if we were to read before that verse, we find,
First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:1-4)
It is important to note that we do not pray to Mary or the saints for help through any of their own power, but we ask them to offer prayers and intercede for us to the Father. We trust that through living a holy life, they have been accepted into the Heavenly Kingdom where they offer prayers to the Father (Revelation 5:8). Mary has proven to be a powerful intercessor due to many miracles and apparitions over the centuries. Not to mention the fact that Jesus listened to his mother when he lived at home until he was 30, he listened to her when he began his miracles (John 2) and he listens to her still.

Where You At?

Bulletin Article 12/18/11

“Where you at?” Over the past few years, this phrase has been used in TV commercials, advertisements, song titles and, in some cases, every day conversation. Instead of “Where are you,” this phrase has become pretty popular. Personally, as someone who has written lengthy theses for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, if I were to construct a sentence in that way, my advisors and professors would rip the paper into pieces. Of course, they would then lovingly instruct me on the correct way to form a sentence.

How quick we are to criticize or judge others based on what they say or do. How many of us place expectations on everyone else in the world based on our personal life experiences? We constantly talk about the way people are supposed to be. “Why doesn’t my son like to play sports?” “Why is my daughter failing math and nothing else? She must not be working hard enough.” “That man only comes to Mass on Christmas and Easter, where is he the rest of the year?” When we place expectations on our family, friends, and neighbors, we try to place them where we want them instead of meeting them “where they’re at.” To meet them where they are would mean that we would have to understand their motivation or lack thereof in instances such as these. Not all boys like sports. Students can easily put a subject they don’t like on the back burner if they are involved with so many other activities they enjoy. Perhaps the man coming to Mass only once or twice a year has to work two or three jobs to support his family or he only comes to this particular parish for holidays. Things aren’t always the way they seem to be on the surface.

One thing we can learn from the incarnation, Christ becoming like us, is that God meets us where we are. Our God humbled himself into the form of a little baby so he could truly empathize with us and understand our human condition. As he matured as a man and began his public ministry, he always displayed great understanding of all people—even those who would put him to death. He never condemned a person for having little faith or not understanding the law; he loved them and was moved with pity for them. He didn’t condemn those who were condemned by the world. His overwhelming love for them coupled with his understanding of their individual conditions moved him to invite them into a deeper, more profound existence. We are called to be imitators of Christ. However, we need to remind ourselves that we are not Him. We are not the judge. We are not the master of the universe. We do not understand everyone else’s hearts. Rather than ripping people apart, let’s lead them towards healing. Let us meet people where they are so that Christ can enter into their hearts and transform their lives. Yes, brothers and sisters, Christ will come again. He knows where you’re at. Do you?

Master Procrastination

Bulletin Article 12/11/11

Finals? What the…! So you had all semester to read those books, but instead they were used to keep your desk from wobbling. You had 10 weeks to write that paper or prepare that presentation, but you decided to build an unbeatable fantasy football team or wait in line for hours to see Harry Potter (not to mention attending all the wonderful events Newman and FOCUS held all semester – up until now we have held 37 events, not including Mass and weekly Bible Studies). And now, as luck would have it, the semester is coming to a close. It’s time to dust off those books, disconnect the wifi and keep your focus on Microsoft Word as the cursor blinks on that blank page.

It’s amazing how we so often live in the present as if the future is so far away. For instance, what are your plans for February 22? That seems so far away, yet it will be here before you know it (by the way, that is Ash Wednesday so mark your calendars!) The final two weeks of Advent call to mind Christ’s second coming. This is something that many of us have placed aside in our faith lives because it seems like it is so far away. Many Christians put their Bible on their night stand or bookcase and let it collect dust. Many of us do not frequent the Sacraments or proclaim our faith by the way we live. We put it off-why? Christ reminds us that He is coming and we do not know when but we must be ready. We have had 2000 years to read that book. We have had 2000 years to prepare the world for Christ’s second coming. We have had most of our lives to prepare room in our hearts for Him through the sacrament of reconciliation. We don’t know when the semester of our lives will end. Spiritual Finals are coming…are you ready?

Preparation

Bulletin Article 12/4/11

Last week the readings spoke of being prepared. This week we turn the attention from ourselves to our neighbors (as Jesus so often does). We hear, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” In this line, we can sum up our responsibility as followers of Christ. One thing we can learn from the earliest Christians (see Acts of the Apostles) is that they knew the responsibility given to them to let the world know that Christ was coming. Although Christ himself told His disciples that they would know neither the day nor the hour of His second coming, they had a hunch that it was going to be fairly soon. Over the centuries the anticipation for Christ’s second coming seems to have lessened and, in some instances, been mocked. This is why the season of Advent is so special. We take four weeks, not just a day or few moments, to awake within us that unique anticipation and longing.

Not knowing the day or the hour of His coming should not scare us if we are living our lives in anticipation for it. If we believe that Jesus was incarnate of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit, He cured the sick, healed lepers, suffered death, rose again in accordance with the scriptures, then we must believe that He is coming again. And so my challenge this week, my brothers and sisters, is to awaken within ourselves the longing and joyful anticipation of Christ coming again. Let’s start by allowing Him to enter into our hearts and helping others to do the same. Are you prepared?

Happy New Year

Happy New Year? That’s right. The Church begins its new Liturgical Year on the First Sunday of Advent (not Jan. 1). Each year, the Church celebrates this 4-week preparatory season in order to focus our minds and hearts on the upcoming celebration of the Incarnation, God becoming like us. With the end of the semester looming, we as Catholics are celebrating a beginning. There will not be a giant ball dropping on the Salameno Center to celebrate this, but there are new changes happening within the Church. As we begin this new liturgical year and welcome the New Roman Missal, we look forward to what the Lord has in store for us—it is far better than anything we could have in mind!

An Advent Poem from Bl. John Henry NewmanThey watch for Christ
who have a sensitive, eager, apprehensive mind,
who are awake, alive, quick-sighted,
zealous in seeking and honoring Him,
who look out for Him in all that happens, and
who would not be surprised,
who would not be over-agitated or overwhelmed,
if they found that he was coming at once . . .

This then is to watch:
to be detached from what is present, and
to live in the thought of Christ as He came once,
and as He will come again;
to desire His second coming, from our affectionate
and grateful remembrance of His first.