Almighty God,
You gave a humble Virgin
the privilege of being mother of your Son,
and crowned her with the glory of heaven.
May the prayers of the Virgin Mary
bring us to the salvation of Christ
and raise us up to eternal life.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
From the Liturgy of the Hours
Wishing all of our readers a blessed Solemnity of the Assumption on this vigil of the holiday
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Posted by David Bennett
This review has been a long time coming and I need to apologize to Russ for not getting this written sooner. Alas, life sometimes gets busy.
I like a variety of musical styles: rock, alternative, folk, country, bluegrass, Celtic, and even the occasional hip-hop influenced song (although Beck is about as close as I get to that). My MP3 player reflects this variety, and I have everything from Bob Dylan to Coldplay on there, light to heavy, and acoustic to electrified. Road to Emmaus released by Crossed the Tiber blogger Russ Rentler, fits perfectly within my tastes. One of the reasons is the instrumentation. It is rich and full, like going to a jam session of folk musicians, except in this case, Rentler is so talented, he is doing all the jamming! Yeah, Rentler plays a lot of instruments: dobro, dulcimer, and autoharp, among others. This choice of instrumentation creates a sound that is a good mix of acoustic folk and slight country, falling on the softer side of the spectrum.
This album is perfect for a laid back drive or as background music for a Catholic party. In fact, its mood is such that it could even serve as a backdrop to Scripture reading, prayer, or meditation. I enjoyed the entire album, from the Catholic themes to the acoustic folk style. Below, I will list a few of my favorites from the album.
The opening track, “Late Have I Loved You,” reflects Russ’ style quite nicely, and lyrically is inspired by St. Augustine’s wonderful work, Confessions. This track shows the depth of Rentler’s songwriting ability: he is well-read and steeped in Christian history.
One favorite of mine is Stain Glass Windows, a reflection on the symbols of our faith, in particular the body and blood of Christ under the species of bread and wine. The lyrics suggest that in Catholicism, Rentler has found the fullest expression of the Protestant faith of his childhood.
Nicaean Blues is an entertaining, bluesy number, that is probably meant to be taken slightly tongue-in-cheek. It is certainly the only song ever written to begin with “I heard some people talking trash about the Catholic Church…” The song is a defense of the Catholic Church that explains apostolic succession, the canonization of Scripture, prayers to the saints, and more. It is fun, witty, and bound to lead to some interesting discussions when played among friends of differing denominations. By the way, I normally do not like bluesy music, but the lyrics are so clever and the music so catchy, I overlooked my normal tastes here!
“Whisper” is a quieter, reflective, song, about “whispering in the ear of God,” confessing one’s sins to receive God’s forgiveness. The somber and reflective tone is emphasized by Russ’ use of the accordion (at least I think it is an accordion; honestly, Russ plays so many instruments it could be a sound I am just not quite familiar with!).
My favorite song is the last, “Jewel of the Caribbean,” a story-song about Rentler’s visit to Haiti. The power of his visit is captured by the music and the lyrics. I particular enjoy the strings and vocal harmony (provided by Rentler himself on a separate audio track).
Overall, I would definitely recommend that Catholics check this album out, and Russ’ other music as well. Even non-Catholics can certainly appreciate Russ’ laid-back, acoustic, style and universal Christian themes, although they may find themselves shaking their heads at times. I noticed on Rhapsody (on I-Tunes as well I am sure) that Russ has a Christmas album too. Come Christmas time, I will be breaking that album out! Be sure to check out Russ Rentler’s site, and have a look around.
Per the great wisdom of our efficient government, I must disclose that Rentler sent me a free copy of his CD for review here, but I assure you this review is honest!
Leave a Comment » | Liturgy and Worship, News | Tagged: Music, Russ Rentler, Road to Emmaus | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett
Taylor Marshall has a good post about why the Church insists we go to Mass every Sunday and on certain other days throughout the year. He frames his answer in the way I usually do when the issue is raised in my classroom: being a part of the celebration of the Eucharist is a privilege. Going to Mass is an “obligation” in the same way a hardcore Rolling Stones fan being asked to go to a free Stones concert each Sunday would be an “obligation.”
2 Comments | Eucharist | Tagged: Eucharist, Mass, Obligation | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett
While I love the philosophy behind the Trinity as much as the next guy… Well… actually if I am standing in a random line in 99.9% of America, my best guess is I love the philosophy behind the Trinity much more than the next guy, but anyway… I think we also have to remember the quote from Thomas a’Kempis below (as found on Jason Sims’ Facebook status update):
“What good does it do to speak learnedly about the Trinity if, lacking humility, you displease the Trinity?” – “The Imitation of Christ”
A blessed Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity to Everyone!
1 Comment | Liturgical Year | Tagged: Thomas A Kempis, Trinity, Trinity Sunday | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett
I remember hearing a lot of grumbling growing up about Christians who “just go through the motions.” You had the good, “on fire” Christians, and those who just showed up and did the outward gestures. I was always left wondering who were the genuine Christians, and who were the fakers.
Before I begin, I should say that yes, there is certainly good reason to be suspicious of those who just go through the motions. Jesus often criticized those who had the outward things perfected, while being unjust on the inside. Jesus also told us that our inward thoughts affect our outside actions, and as such said that lust is equivalent to adultery.
Of course, I agree with Jesus. Religious leaders and others who go through the motions, doing one thing, while telling others to do other things, is wrong and hypocritical. Additionally, what we think affects our actions. Our thoughts themselves can be sinful just as our actions can be. I am not denying any of this.
However, I also think that going through the motions is not necessarily the worst thing that a non-believer or lukewarm believer can do (Mind you, I am *not* talking about receiving communion here, which when received unworthily is bad, very bad). Yes, ideally, every Christian believer should strongly believe in Jesus, and let this belief radiate out into his or her life. Of course, we know that this level of commitment is not always the norm in our parishes. So should we simply tell everybody who isn’t a strong believer to go home and stop coming to Mass? Should the person who has a moment of doubt not walk into a church until this is completely worked out? I would say “no,” and let me explain why.
While we know that our actions reflect our internet beliefs, I think it also holds true that our beliefs reflect our actions. The words we speak, and the actions we do, shape what we believe. Lex orandi, lex credendi, as the liturgical scholars tell us. What we say, what we do, what we sing, and what we pray form our internal beliefs. Thus, the lukewarm Christian (or even non-Christian) who sings hymns, prays the liturgy, stands and kneels when appropriate, etc, is, even if in a minor way, forming his internal beliefs in a Christian way. The weekly repetition of words and gestures related to God, Jesus, love, mercy, peace, thanksgiving, etc, cannot not shape someone. I know of spouses of Catholics who “went through the motions” for years, even decades, until at one point they felt called to become Catholic. I know of students who “went through the motions” for years until they became adults and openly and enthusiastically embraced the faith for themselves. Could the weekly barrage of Catholic words, gestures, and symbols have caused the changes? I would say, absolutely yes, with the help of God’s grace.
So, my opinion is that unless someone is being hypocritical while going through the motions, let him go through the motions. Let him come to Mass, say a few prayers, hear some Scripture, and go home. From our perspective, while not ideal, and certainly not the place where he should be forever, isn’t this one of the best things a non-believer or lukewarm believer can do on a Sunday morning? Are we really going to fault somebody for going to church on a Sunday morning, given the numerous alternatives available? Trust me, there are a lot worse motions he could be going through than Christian ones.
6 Comments | Catholic, General | Tagged: Catholic, christian, Church | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett
Glory to thee, O Lord, glory to thee!
Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth,
Who art everywhere present and filleth all things,
Treasury of all good and giver of life,
Come and dwell within us;
Cleanse us from all unrighteousness,
And of thy goodness, save our souls.
I hope everyone has a blessed Pentecost, which begins with the vigil Masses this evening.
Leave a Comment » | Liturgical Year | Tagged: Church Year, Pentecost | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Acts 1:6-11 (RSV)
Happy Solemnity of the Ascension (for most Catholics throughout the world, who celebrate it on the traditional date)
6 Comments | Liturgical Year | Tagged: Ascension, Easter | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett
John Shepherd tells us why the Church should have no “truck with banality” when it comes to our sacred music.
Shepherd writes:
In monastic terms, the liturgy is the path towards an exalted “ecstasy”, a flight into the cloud of unknowing, the place where God is, and where the true contemplation of the creative stillness of God is possible.
And this is a reality which is beyond the ability of historians, theologians, linguists, biblical scholars or even pastoral liturgists to express. Their contributions may even hinder rather than help. The intensity and intangibility of this experience can only be expressed through the arts.
This is why music of quality is a critical element within the life of the Church. It is a necessity, not a luxury. It is neither a frivolous confection nor an elitist distraction from the real business of faith. Music of quality, in the context of worship, does not entertain or divert. It reveals.
By means of evolving harmonies, rhythms, textures, modulations, orchestrations, melodies, counterpoints, imitations, this rich art form has the potential to create an aural environment which enables us to contemplate the mystery of God.
Now, I am the first one to admit that there are differing views of what constitutes “banal.” Perhaps my taste would not be up to Shepherd’s… However, we have a strong history of beautiful music that has been deemed “sacred” by people across generations and geography, and even officially deemed as such by the Church. This is the type of music that Hollywood producers use well, playing this music when a scene is meant to be meaningful. When I hear chant (particularly the Eastern form of it) or sing something like “The King of Love my Shepherd Is,” I really do feel as if I am transported elsewhere, to heaven even. Even popular music can have this effect on me. My mind, and body, tell me that I am somehow being taken “outside myself.” Strict materialists would, of course, say my body is lying, but alas, I am not a strict materialist!
Putting words of songs aside for this post, let me ask, can a style of music set the tone of our lives? Absolutely. In fact it is verified by science. Studies show that certain types of music make us smarter, help us kick addictions (.pdf), relax more, and strengthen the immune system. One theory of how reality works is that the universe is made up of tiny vibrating strings (strings which may consist of up to 11 dimensions!). Another suggests that the tiniest levels of reality (electrons, photons, etc) is waves that are collapsed into what we know as matter by our observation. Waves. Vibration. See a connection to music here? Do certain types of music actually “take us to heaven” or outside of our present reality? Can music fundamentally align us with what our Creator intends for us? I believe that yes, music has these properties. Plato recognized quite rightly that “music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul.” Dismissing the positive (and negative) influence music has on our perceptions is irresponsible.
Regarding church music, many people would probably say “music is just music,” but do they really mean this? For most people I know, music is the soundtrack to their lives, a powerful symbol of meaning for them. Thus, I think it is inconsistent to suggest that the music we sing or hear at church is unimportant. If there are certain songs we would never choose to listen to on inappropriate occasions, then there certainly exists music that would be inappropriate when worshiping, or experiencing, God.
The more I study physics and the mind, the more I realize that the choice of sounds, sights, smells, etc, that we employ in worship affects our experience of worship tremendously (see a previous post Correcting a Symbol Deficiency for my thoughts on this). Of course, Romantics and Sacramentalists know this intuitively, that the symbols that we employ powerfully influence our conception of reality. I think it is often assumed that a church’s beliefs influence their choice of music, which is true. But, let’s also consider the alternative: musical choice determines a church’s beliefs. Can we expect people to approach the Eucharist, where earth and heaven meet, in a sacred manner, if the music we choose does not “transport them to heaven?” Maybe music, in its very nature, has this ability, if only we would use it!
3 Comments | Liturgy and Worship, Physics | Tagged: Worship, Music, Phsyics | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett
From A Kairos Talk, the Eucharist, Mass, and Gratitude:
One of my biggest struggles as a religion teacher is with our technical terms. We have so many words that we use, sometimes every single day: Trinity, Eucharist, Heaven, Son of God, Mass, Incarnation, and so on.
This talk isn’t going to turn into class, I promise. But, I do hope you learn a lot. About the Eucharist, about God, and about yourselves. You may even learn a little bit about me, although that’s the least of my concerns.
How many of you know what the word Eucharist means? I’m thinking the technical definition now. What about Mass?
Eucharist means “thanksgiving” and Mass means “dismissal.” At first glance, these two definitions may not even make any sense. They may not even seem to describe what we do at all. But, yet I’m giving this talk around these two definitions. Bear with me. I hope in the end it all makes perfect sense.
First, I’ll tackle the Eucharist as thanksgiving and let you know a little about my faith journey in the process.
Most of you have been Catholic or, whatever your faith tradition is, from the moment of your birth. It’s just something that you’ve always done. I was raised Protestant. Most of the people were good hearted, but in general the whole experience was miles from Catholicism. I had no Catholics in my family. I lived in a county where Catholics were lower than 10% of the population. In my class, there was one Catholic girl. The closest I ever got to Catholicism was when I took a romantic interest in her.
Leave a Comment » | Catholic, General, Eucharist | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett
I will admit that I have had little time – or desire – to be active on the blog world as of late, whether reading or posting. I suppose this is because my life is very active, as I happily take on more responsibilities at work. I also have become a bit agitated with the nitpicking nature of some blogs, but alas that is another post. I have also been enjoying reading more as of late, so I can be found curled up with a good book more often than I feel like being on the computer.
Nonetheless, I read a few days ago that Daniel Herzog, cradle-Catholic turned conservative Episcopal bishop turned Catholic is now back to being Episcopalian again. In the past, I probably would have been disappointed to lose one of our “celebrity” converts, but these days, it really doesn’t bother me. This is not to say I don’t want more solid Anglicans to join our fold (after all, they usually bring great music, worship, and education with them), it is just that I am no longer into the “we can produce more celebrity converts than you” mentality. The Church will survive whether the Daniel Herzogs, the Scott Hahns, or even the lowly David Bennetts decide to leave (not that Scott Hahn or I have any intention or leaving; it is just that the Church will survive if we do). We have plenty of hard-working, pious, saints in our midst who just do Christ’s work for others without the press or blogosphere getting worked up about it. I wish Herzog well, I really do, but honestly, I am not that concerned if somehow our “celebrity convert factor” has been reduced.
4 Comments | Anglican and Episcopal, Catholic, General | Tagged: Anglican, Convert, Daniel Herzog, Episcopal | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett
When St. Thomas used Aristotelean ideas to better understand the faith, the impact of his thought continues to this day. The early Fathers used Platonism to better express and categorize Christian mysteries, including the Trinity. The 20th century saw the development of new ways of looking at reality based firmly in experimental science. For example, Einstein discovered that space and time are interconnected and that the “stuff” of space-time can be warped by large objects, causing the effect we call gravity. As scientists probed into the building blocks of reality, they found atoms, electrons, protons, neutrons, and all sorts of “flavors” of quarks. Behavior of reality at the quantum level suggests a world that is more complex and weird than science expected. Some physicists, including Brian Greene, believe reality is composed of very tiny vibrating strings.
What does this mean for Catholicism? I have thought of all of this since grad school, when I explored the connection between Chaos Theory and Romanticism, but in the last year I have had some wonderful discussions with a friend and priest, Fr. Joshua Wagner, about these very things. He put some of his ideas down on the excellent, though now inactive, Quantum Contemplation. I recently bought the book the Physics of Christianity, by Frank Tipler, a physicist at Tulane, who, according to information on the web, is now an orthodox Cath0lic. The reviews at Amazon for the book are often negative, because Tipler assumes a Christian worldview, and tries to explain Christian beliefs using modern physics, which most materialist scientists cannot accept as a valid approach. However, as a Catholic, coming from a position of faith, I am excited to better understand how Quantum reality can help us understand our faith better.
Let me provide an example. At the Quantum level there are particles that are literally three (and other numbers) and one at the same time. You cannot weigh only one, observe only one, or “remove” one from the three, or else the whole particle disappears. In other words, the particle cannot be spoken of as simply one, or simply three. Thus, at a very micro level of reality we see a way of explaining the Trinity. For years, those religious groups (like the Jehovah’s Witnesses) that were founded when enlightenment-style science ruled the day have harped about how the Trinity is pure intellectual nonsense. Quantum physics, at the least, tells us that the world is more complex and mysterious than scientists had previously thought, so we now can speak of something being fundamentally three and one at the same time.
I am aware that most scientists, who are likely materialists, will not agree with Tipler or others such as myself that are trying to use physics to better understand our faith, which we admit, is based on a belief in revelation. However, we make no claim to base our beliefs entirely on that which can be empirically verified in a materialist fashion. Instead, in good Catholic fashion, I think physics offers us a framework to explore some of the mysteries of our faith (just as Aristotle and Plato offered frameworks).
Thanks for one of our regular readers, Keith, whose mention of the book pressed me to finally move it from my wish list to shopping cart!
Image by me
5 Comments | Physics | Tagged: Catholic, Frank Tipler, Physics | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett
Saint Paul rejoices in the knowledge that spiritual health has been restored to the human race. Death entered the world through Adam, he explains, but life has been given back to the world through Christ. Again he says: The first man, being from the earth, is earthly by nature; the second man is from heaven and is heavenly. As we have borne the image of the earthly man, the image of human nature grown old in sin, so let us bear the image of the heavenly man: human nature raised up, redeemed, restored and purified in Christ. We must hold fast to the salvation we have received. Christ was the firstfruits, says the Apostle; he is the source of resurrection and life. Those who belong to Christ will follow him. Modeling their lives on his purity, they will be secure in the hope of his resurrection and of enjoying with him the glory promised in heaven. Our Lord himself said so in the gospel. Whoever follows me will not perish, but will pass from death to life.
Thus the passion of our Savior is the salvation of mankind. The reason why he desired to die for us was that he wanted us who believe in him to live for ever. In the fullness of time it was his will to become what we are, so that we might inherit the eternity he promised and live with him for ever.
Here, then, is the grace conferred by these heavenly mysteríes, the gift which Easter brings, the most longedfor feast of the year; here are the beginnings of creatures newly formed: children born from the life-giving font of holy Church, born anew with the simplicity of litúe ones, and crying out with the evidence of a clean conscience. Chaste fathers and inviolate mothers accompany this new family, countless in number, born to new life through faith. As they emerge from the grace-giving womb of the font, a blaze of candles burns brightly beneath the tree of faith. The Easter festival brings the grace of holiness from heaven to men. Through the repeated celebration of the sacred mysteries they receive the spiritual nourishment of the sacraments. Fostered at the very heart of holy Church, the fellowship of one community worships the one God, adoring the triple name of his essential holiness, and together with the prophet sings the psalm which belongs to this yearly festival: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. And what is this day? It is the Lord Jesus Christ himself, the author of light, who brings the sunrise and the beginning of life, saying of himself: I am the light of day; whoever walks in daylight does not stumble. That is to say, whoever follows Christ in all things will come by this path to the throne of eternal light.
Such was the prayer Christ made to the Father while he was still on earth: Father, I desire that where I am they also may be, those who have come to believe in me; and that as you are in me and I in you, so they may abide in us.
From Vatican.Va
1 Comment | Easter, Liturgical Year | Tagged: Easter, Resurrection | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett
Now after the sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the sepulchre. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. Lo, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Hail!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” Matthew 28:1-10 (RSV)
May all of our readers have a blessed Easter/Pascha. Christ is Risen!
1 Comment | Liturgical Year | Tagged: Easter, Jesus, Resurrection | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett
Vatican Insiders have leaked to Per Christum and a handful of other blogs information about special ecumenical efforts designed to improve relations with an unlikely group: the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, otherwise known as the Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Vatican plans radical initiatives to better understand and relate to the group, which is labeled as a “cult that seriously sucks” on its Wikipedia entry. “We have been losing Catholics to the Watchtower for some time,” remarked a senior Vatican official. “In fact, ex-Catholics make up a huge number of current Witnesses; it is time that we focused on a better relationship with these earnest people.”
Reportedly, high level talks began around Christmas time, when top-level Jehovah’s Witnesses flew to the Vatican on a Saturday morning to hand out copies of “Awake” Magazine and open a discussion. As an immediate goodwill gesture to make concessions to the Watchtower, the pope removed 2 shepherds from the Vatican creche. “It was a gesture of charity, seeing as how the whole concept of Christmas disgusts them,” remarked an Italian priest. Some Italian Cardinals suggested reducing the twelve days of Christmas by 16%, to 10 days , but the Vatican was not prepared to make such a major gesture.” However, a major gesture just may be on the way.
We have learned that the Vatican has plans to excommunicate the Watchtower, and then lift the excommunication a day later. “Lifting an excommunication sends a powerful message of love and reconciliation, and when the pope lifted the excommunication against the Orthodox Churches, well, we have all seen the positive results from that. I suspect when the pope lifts this excommunication, positive things will happen,” said American Jesuit theologian Charles Curtain. Insiders have told us that the excommunication will be sent to Witness Headquarters in an envelope marked “Do not open until June 10th.” Why June 10th? The Vatican chose a day when not much was being celebrated in the Catholic world, since Jehovah’s Witnesses have a problem with the celebration of holidays. “We would have chosen a date closer to the end of Easter, but we also wanted to avoid a date too close to Trinity Sunday, since they basically hate the Trinity” an anonymous Vatican official explained. Then, on June 11th, the Vatican has plans to start a Facebook group entitled “I will lift the excommunication on the Watchtower if this page gets 500,000 fans” and the rest, officials believe, will be sweet ecumenical history. There is even speculation of some type of Ordinariate for former Jehovah’s Witnesses that would welcome them into the Church, while allowing them to retain their dry, lecture-based worship and unique style of door-to-door evangelism. The preliminary number of Witnesses interested is reported to be 144,000. Of note, the Vatican, no stranger to social networking, already sponsors two Facebook fan pages: “I bet this baby possum can get more fans than the dark Lord Satan,” and “I flip my kneeler cushion over to get to the cold side.”
The response of the Watchtower to Vatican overtures has been rather cool, but we did manage to catch up with their president as he was going door-to-door one morning in Brooklyn, to solicit his opinion. He said he appreciates the Vatican efforts, and, in a goodwill gesture of his own, has been working with other Witnesses to consider officially downgrading the Catholic Church from the “whore of Babylon” to “call-girl of Babylon,” which one Witness we interviewed described as “still way too classy for the Church of Rome.” “What’s next,” he asked, “fourth degree Knights of Columbus escorting us as we go door-to-door? Witnesses eating fish and drinking Killians with Catholics while watching Notre Dame football?” “Not likely!” he opined.
Nonetheless, the Vatican is hopeful that its efforts, including the lifting of a day old excommunication, will improve relations with America’s most faithful evangelizers. A spokesman for the pope said “we are committed to ecumenism. If we have to rename Trinity Sunday ‘Subordinated Triad Sunday’ to make ecumenical inroads, then we will place that on the table. There is nothing we will spare to work more closely with our separated sisters and brothers based in Brooklyn.”
Jesus, who, according to Jehovah’s Witnesses, returned to earth invisibly in 1914, must be smiling (invisibly, of course).
Per Christum reporters April F. Oul and Page N. Newyear contributed to this post. Have a blessed Holy Thursday!
10 Comments | Ecumenism, Jehovah's Witnesses | Tagged: Ecumenism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Watchtower, Ordinariate | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett
Matthew 21:1-11, from the New Jerusalem Bible:
When they were near Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village facing you, and you will at once find a tethered donkey and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you are to say, “The Master needs them and will send them back at once.” ‘This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet:Say to the daughter of Zion: Look, your king is approaching, humble and riding on a donkey and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden. So the disciples went and did as Jesus had told them. They brought the donkey and the colt, then they laid their cloaks on their backs and he took his seat on them. Great crowds of people spread their cloaks on the road, while others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in his path. The crowds who went in front of him and those who followed were all shouting: Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who is coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heavens! And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil as people asked, ‘Who is this?’ and the crowds answered, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’
This story from Matthew, which summarizes why we celebrate Palm Sunday, illustrates human nature. One day Jesus was welcomed as a king and prophet, and then, a few days later the people were ready to execute him. Even Peter, the rock, denied him.
I think this story could serve as an allegory on how quickly the masses can be swayed, and perhaps offers us a lesson in why we should avoid the mob mentality. However, I can’t help but feel sorry for humanity here as well, because of our general stupidity (and notice I say “our,” because none of us is free of Original Sin). We are sheep without a shepherd. Fortunately, the story of Jesus doesn’t end here, because the shepherd laid down his life for us, and rose three days later, so that we might receive his mercy.
1 Comment | Liturgical Year | Tagged: Jesus, Lent, Palm Sunday | Permalink
Posted by David Bennett
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