Blessed Mother Teresa, pray for us.

Below is the Collect for her feast.

Blessings,

Papa Z

O God,
who called blessed Teresa, virgin
to respond to the love of your Son thirsting on the cross
with outstanding charity to the poorest of the poor,
grant us, we beseech you, by her intercession,
to minister to Christ in his suffering brothers.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

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

As it is, a hat tip to WDTPRS and an unknown seminarian!

The Seminarian’s Song

To the Tune of the Major-General’s Song from The Pirates of Penzance

I am the very model of Catholic seminarian
I’ve information pastoral, canonical, and Marian,
I know the Popes of Avignon and Councils Ecumenical
From Nicaea to Vatican plus gatherings heretical.
I’m very well acquainted too with matters homiletical,
I’ll write a pretty sermon that is eloquent yet practical,
About soteriology I’m teeming with a lot o’ news…
Such as salvation history’s relation to the modern Jews.
I’m very open minded, I have Sunday lunch with Protestants,
I teach them our Church History and sing it in Gregorian Chants,
In short in matters pastoral, canonical, and Marian,
I am the very model of a Catholic seminarian.

I know my ancient languages, some Latin, Greek, and Hebrew too;
I’m smart as a Dominican, I write for The Thomist review,
I quote Thomas Aquinas and I know the Summa all by heart,
I know the arguments for God from Anselm to Rene Descartes;
I am an expert without doubt in all matters liturgical,
I’ll see the rubrics carried out in fashion demiurgical!
I can intone polyphony from every epoch, school and rank…
And sing all of the arias composed by Mister Cesare Franck.
Then I can run a bingo or a bake sale in the Parish Hall,
And sell spaghetti supper tickets at the local shopping mall:
In short, in matters pastoral, canonical, and Marian,
I am the very model of a Catholic seminarian.

In fact, when I know what is meant by “Molinist” and “Arian,”
When I can rise above the title of Popish sectarian,
When such affairs as wakes and confirmations I’m more wary at,
And when each sort of imperfection, sin, and fault I can combat;
When I have learnt the progress of von Balthasar’s theology,
Converted every member of the Church of Scientology—
In short, when I’ve a smattering of basic Catholicity—
They’ll say that I’m a cleric full of goodness and simplicity.
And though my Bishop is impressed by my enormous panurgy,
The man is rather wary at my love for Latin Liturgy,
But still in matters pastoral, canonical, and Marian,
I am the very model a Catholic seminarian.

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!

It occurs to me that the best thing the faith community can do is to pray for him — body, soul, and spirit with true concern and without malice.

Blessings,

Papa Z

The article was fascinating.  I quote from the opening paragraphs . . .

It is often said that until the Scientific Revolution Islam was far ahead of the Christian West in the natural sciences. This belief is a reaction to an earlier age of Western triumphalism that overlooked the genuine achievements of the Islamic philosopher (faylasuf); but like many reactionary movements, it overcompensates and praises a golden age that never quite was. Europe was never quite the dark age of ignorance that the “enlightened” philosophers pretended.

At the beginning of the Middle Ages, Islam was clearly the most scientifically advanced civilization on Earth, and China boasted a more advanced technology. Yet by the end of the Middle Ages the Latin West was clearly ahead of both Islam and China. How did this reversal of fortune take place? Joseph Needham called this ‘the Grand Question.’ [4]

There were two reasons: China never had an Aristotle; Islam never had an Aquinas. Consequently, logic, reason, and science in those cultures were like the seed that fell on barren ground, or among the weeds. In China, science withered; in Islam, it was choked out after a promising start.

Read the entire article here.

I’d love to see some discussion.

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!

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.

Lo! in the likeness of fire,
on them that await his appearing,
he whom the Lord foretold,
suddenly, swiftly, descends.
Refrain:
Hail thee, festival day!
Blest day that art hallowed forever;
day wherein God from heaven,
shone on the world with his grace.

Forth from the Father he comes
with his sevenfold mystical dowry,
pouring on human souls
infinite riches of God.
Refrain:
Hail thee, festival day!
Blest day that art hallowed forever;
day wherein God from heaven,
shone on the world with his grace.

Hark! in a hundred tongues
Christ’s own, his chosen Apostles,
preach to a hundred tribes
Christ and his wonderful works.
Refrain:
Hail thee, festival day!
Blest day that art hallowed forever;
day wherein God from heaven,
shone on the world with his grace.

Praise to the Spirit of life,
all praise to the Fount of our being,
light that dost lighten all,
life that in all dost abide.
Refrain:
Hail thee, festival day!
Blest day that art hallowed forever;
day wherein God from heaven,
shone on the world with his grace.

God, who art giver of all
good gifts and lover of concord,
pour thy balm on our souls,
order our ways in thy peace.
Refrain:
Hail thee, festival day!
Blest day that art hallowed forever;
day wherein God from heaven,
shone on the world with his grace.

God Almighty, who fillest
the heaven, the earth and the ocean,
guard us from harm without,
Refrain:
Hail thee, festival day!
Blest day that art hallowed forever;
day wherein God from heaven,
shone on the world with his grace.

Kindle our lips with his live bright coal
from the hands of the Seraph;
shine in our minds with thy light;
burn in our hearts with thy love.
Refrain:
Hail thee, festival day!
Blest day that art hallowed forever;
day wherein God from heaven,
shone on the world with his grace.

I hope everyone has a blessed Pentecost, which begins with the vigil Masses this evening.

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)

I am bothered, however, by the tenor of some of the comments offered by some of the cradle Catholic participants who seem to feel the need to utterly degrade the entirety of the Anglican tradition, to question the motives of converts, and seem to be happy only when a convert abases himself in the mud on the banks of the Tiber, begging for admittance.

There are those who, regardless of the Pastoral Provision established by Pope John Paul II (the Great) and Anglicanorum Coetibus promulgated by Pope Benedict XVI (the Pope of Christian Unity) wish to have nothing to do with former Anglican clergy who become Catholic priests – to the point of refusing the Eucharist from such a priest (which more than smacks of the heresy of Donatism to me!)

There are those who wish to reject the notion that the history of Anglican tradition has anything at all to offer the Catholic Church, in spite of the Vatican’s actions to the contrary (for example, the promulgation of “The Book of Divine Worship.”) There are those who make broad pronouncements about the history and spirituality of Anglicanism who make generalizations out of complete ignorance, forgetting the patrimony of Lancelot Andrewes; of King Charles the Martyr; of the Tractarians; of the beautiful translations of St. Thomas Aquinas’ Eucharistic hymns (much better, I might add, than in your typical missalette!). And do we even want to compare the prose of the Book of Common Prayer to what ICEL has given us?

There are those who do not (or will not) understand that conversion is a journey, and that not everyone moves along that journey at the same speed. It took the (soon to be beatified) Venerable Servant of God John Henry, Cardinal Newman years to make his journey. Even GK Chesterton only made his conversion formal 14 years before he died.

There are those who do not (or will not) respect the fact that there have been well-reasoned arguments put forth by Anglo-Catholics which seem to justify separation from Rome, and that even when one realizes that an argument one once thought was valid truly is not, there is real pain and real grieving.

There are those who do not (or will not) respect the fact that many converts literally “leave everything behind” to follow Christ. Homes, salaries, churches, pensions, friends, etc. all become secondary considerations when one realizes that the fullness of Truth is to be found in Rome and not Canterbury.

To coin a phrase, all we ask for is a little respect. Don’t try to debate us on nuances of English history or on causes of the English Reformation. We know all that. (Indeed, I can lecture on the subject for hours without notes!) Don’t try to tell us that our entire ministries before our conversions were utterly without grace. They weren’t. Don’t try to lecture us on Apostolicae Curae. We accept it. We’re extremely familiar with the document – and realize (as Pope Leo XIII did at the time) that certain issues are not as “cut-and-dry” as they seem. Rejoice that we have come to embrace the fullness of Truth. And allow us a measure of dignity.

In the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 15, we read of the Council of Jerusalem. The burning question: did Gentile believers first have to become Jews in order to be saved. Some said yes – the entirety of the Law of Moses was absolutely necessary for salvation. But the Apostles said no – it was enough to avoid meat offered to idols, blood, the flesh of strangled animals, and sexual impurity. It seems to me that there is a correlation here. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict have spoken in their Apostolic capacity regarding conversions from the Anglican tradition. That should be enough for everyone. Further burdens are not necessary.

Blessings,

Papa Z.

No, this is not a review of Karl Keating’s book of the same name – though if you are interested in my thoughts on the book, check out my review for Amazon.com!

What this IS, however, is some commentary on a trend I’ve begun to notice among a certain percentage of very conservative Catholics, and that is a trend toward what can only be described as a form of Catholic fundamentalism. Now please realize while fundamentalist Catholics are very conservative, not all conservative Catholics are fundamentalists. This is a very important distinction to make. This commentary is not intended as a rant against people who prefer the Extraordinary Form of the Mass (I’ve not attended one, but plan to, at my earliest convenience) nor those who watch EWTN (my wife and I not only watch, but appeared on “The Journey Home” a few years ago) or those who prefer more traditional music (count me in!) etc. I’m not referring to your typical, orthodox, Pope John Paul II Catholic.

When viewed on the spectrum of “liberal” to “conservative” your dear commentator would most certainly fall considerably to the “right” of “center”. From a theological standpoint, I’m probably more conservative than 80% of your typical “man in the pew”; and the same would certainly be true in my academic work as well.

What I am concerned about, however, are those on the very far right – the ones who brand you as an enemy (or worse, a heretic!) because you only agree with them 95% of the time! The ones who seem to think that faith means disengaging your brain, and that all development of doctrine ceased in the Middle Ages.

Some tendencies I’ve noticed which concern me:

• Geo-centrism – the notion that the earth is fixed and immovable, and that the universe revolves around it. (Based on a total misunderstanding of the Church’s “condemnation” of Galileo!)

• The absolute rejection of any and all critical tools in the interpretation of Scripture (and history!) After all, higher criticism was invented by liberal German Protestants who wanted to destroy the Church, therefore all critical tools must be avoided at all costs! (So much for the Church Fathers!)

• A literalist view of Scripture that would frighten an Independent Baptist! No allegory allowed! No figures of speech, either! (Example: The prophets teach that Jesus would ride into Jerusalem “on an ass, and on a donkey, the foal of an ass” – therefore on Palm Sunday, Jesus rode two animals! Yes, I’ve seen this vigorously debated!)

• An unhealthy obsession with Matthean Priority. Personally, the Synoptic Problem is not my problem – and is an unresolved – and unresolvable question. But, as the (faulty) reasoning goes, theologians who accept Markan priority obviously used critical tools to arrive that this conclusion – and all critical tools must be avoided at all costs! See above!

• An insistence that only the Douay-Rheims Bible can be used (and only certain editions of that!) if one is unfortunate enough not to be able to read the Latin Vulgate (and only certain editions of that!)

• A misunderstanding of the role of the Teaching Authority of the Church, leading to bizarre claims of “infallibility” on issues upon which the Church has never claimed infallibility!

In each of these cases, the problem seems to stem from an ultra-montane view of the Church, and by the taking out of context (both textually and historically) the role of, and meaning behind, Papal pronouncements. The gift of Papal Infallibility is to preserve the Church from teaching heresy in matters of faith and morals. It does not necessarily follow, however, that every proclamation by every Pope on every issue is a matter of faith and morals!

Now, is it true that many modern theologians have gone beyond (and even against) the Magisterium of the Church? Of course it is! Sadly, such dissent is common on a number of levels. But sadly, the Church has always had dissenters, and, as Christ teaches us, the wheat and the tares will continue to grow together until the End of the Age. But the way to deal with dissent and heresy is to promote good theology and orthodox doctrine – not to insist that the thinking process be shut down entirely. The Book of Proverbs teaches us that “iron sharpens iron”. What a blessing for the Church that the iron of St. Thomas Aquinas was sharpened on the iron of St. Bonaventure! What a blessing that Franciscans are not Dominicans who in turn are not Benedictines! What a blessing that some of the finest astronomers in the world have been (and still are) Jesuits!

It seems to this commentator that the extremes of the very far right are every bit as dangerous as the extremes of the very far left; both extremes leave the Church open to ridicule from Her enemies; and that neither serve to benefit Her primary mission, which is the eternal salvation of souls.

Blessings,

Papa Z.