Rome's Famous "STATION" Churches

A regular reader of "Happenings" found an interesting blog prepared by the American theologate in Rome, the famous North American College ... place of study for such greats as our own Msgr. Duffy and a number of Washington priests who studied on "the Hill" as the school is affectionately called by those who daily trudged up the Gianicolo Hill to the residence. I have listed it in the column of links. It is a great stop each day of Lent (a) to learn some Church history, (b) to learn more about Rome, and (c) to deepen your faith ... your life as a person on a journey of faith.

Daily Reflection: Wed Feb 28 07

Check the links at the top of the right hand column for today readings.

Today's readings might pose a good Lenten question: What are the whales that have swallowed you up?

The consequences of so many ways that we may have turned our lives at one time or another surely can be considered as those times that we may have been living in the belly of the whale. The consequences of immorality: how that kind of turning away from God can swallow anyone up in a duplicitous, harmful and truly painful way of living. The consequences of gossiping or undermining other people: how that kind of damaging God's people can swallow someone up in great negativity that reaches far beyond its beginnings. The consequences of greed: how letting things and people become little gods that swallow someone up in an addictive living, having to have more, more and even more.

Now, during the season of Lent, is a time for us to consider if there are whales that have swallowed up a part of our lives. Lent is the time when God is giving us the Jonah opportunity: getting out of those whales that make our lives so painful and annoying. Imagine one's life, one's family's life, one's neighborhood, one's parish, own city might become if all of us "heard" the call to repentence that Jonah preached in Nineveh. The "evil generation" that Luke describes in the gospel reading should give us pause. Is this a description of any part of my life is what each of us can ask ourselves? And remember, like Jonah, one candle can light up a city!

Daily Reflection: Tue Feb 27, 2007

Daily Readings Also check the master link list for Collaborative Ministry.



Today the readings for the liturgy focus us on prayer --- one of the principal activities during Lent. It is a call to set ourselves aside. It is the call to listening, similar to the "calls" Jesus experienced in the away from the crowd moments. Don't be afraid of prayer. Jesus was not afraid during those along-moments with the Father when the Holy Spirit was gradually opening his mind and heart to the mission the Father wanted him to live. "Be not afraid." In those desert moments, Jesus was learning what Isaiah and Jeremiah had learned in their struggle with the mission God was entrusting to them. STOP. STOP at this point and ask: "What is God's mission for me now?" Don't proceed unless you can begin to answer that question ... if you are not afraid of what it might hold for you. In prayerful quiet let the Holy Spirit open your heart and mind for you to know what God wants of you. "Is this really what you want from me?" Repetition of thoughts about one issue in life so often lead a praying person to singular moment of awareness of God's will ... no matter how challenging ... and great peace of mind and soul.

Return to me with your whole heart,

with fasting, and weeping, and mourning

[might we add ... and with praying]

Rend your hearts, not your garments

[it's your heart, your very being not what others see]

and return to the Lord, your God. (Joel 2:12)

Interesting Catholic Information Site

What does a Pastor, somewhat tired from handling a day of snow, do on a cloudy day off. Well, as you can surmise from the number of postings today, he spends a couple of hours surfing! A new site that is filled with what may indeed be countless pages of information, even prayers, etc. etc. caught my attention. I have incorporated it in my list of links. It is Catholic Culture. I suggest your taking a peek at this one. I do not know who Trinity Publications happens to be but there must be a huge staff. Click on to the highlighted title at the head of this posting. Enjoy.

Parish Lecture Series: March Presentation

The March presentation, BROADCASTING THE NOW CHURCH, promises to be a most interesting event. The date, Sunday, March 18th. The time: 7:00 PM, immediately following the 6:00 PM Mass. The place, Our Lady of Victory Church. The participants:

• Mr. Russell Shaw, recognized American Catholic writer, at one time the spokesperson for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.


• Dr. Kurt Martens, professor of Canon Law at Catholic University and well-versed in Church history, Belgian tv anchor consultant for the funeral of Pope John Paul II and the days of the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI.


• Mr. Rocco Palmo, spirited founder and editor of Whispers In The Loggia, perhaps the most regularly frequented Catholic information blog.

At the present time I am hoping to arrange for Fr. Paul Robechaud, a Paulist priest, who has served as Pastor of Santa Suzanna, the American parish in Rome to moderate the panel. During those days, Fr. Paul was often a guest commentator about Church affairs for major American tv networks.

Surely there will be a larger crowd for this event as it will be advertised on the Whispers in the Loggia blog.

Archdiocesan Information

The link Archdiocese of Washington takes you to the Archdiocesan home page. If ever you are looking for an address, a telephone number or any one of the many ministries in the Archdiocese, you can find it at this site. Also you can find information about the leadership of the Archdiocese. Happy searching.

To the right you see Archbishop Wuerl and his Secretary, Fr. Carter Griffin who once upon a time served Our Lady of Victory Parish during his diaconate year of studies leading to the priesthood.

LINK LIST

You will notice, I hope, the addition of several links that will, I hope, help you in your daily readings. The list is at the top of the blog, in the right hand column. I hope this helps.

Daily Reflection: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2007

DAILY READINGS Collaborative Ministry

The first reading in today's liturgy is taken from the Book of Leviticus. Don't do this. Don't do that. "You shall not ..." Over and over again. Leviticus is the Jewish book of rules ... 10 Commandments were not enough? Maybe our Catechism might be likened ... somewhat, but only somewhat.

In the readings today, this SECOND DAY of Lent, as explained yesterday, there is something beyond the mandates. "I am the Lord." That sentence appears three times with another variation as well.

In Genesis you find this statement. For the Jewish people this was a reminder of the between God and the people. The part of Leviticus in the reading (Ch 19) is an elaboration, you might say, of the great Commandment given by God: Love the Lord, your God .... and your neighbor as yourself. How often we hear those words. How well are they embedded in your life, my life: in what we do each day?

Read the gospel for today's liturgy. If you ever had a wondering about who your neighbor is, you will find it here in Matthew where Jesus separates the sheep and the goats.

What criteria for separation? What criteria for helping, loving another? "For I was hungry...." "I was thirsty ...." "...a stranger...." "...naked...." "...ill...." "in prison...."

And who are these people today? Who is it that pushes your buttons? Is it the politicians? The illegal immigrants? The ProChoice friends (or do they even bother you?) Gay men and women? Alienated Catholics? Women who want to be priests? Catholics who don't feel the obligation to attend Mass regularly? Alcoholism bound folks? Drug-addicted people?

The caption that appeared beneath the picture I "borrowed" from Collaborative Ministry is this, a quote from 1 Samuel 3:10: "I'm listening Lord. What do you want me to do?"

John Paul II often told us "Do not be afraid." Addressing who it is that I need to love can be fear-filled. Perhaps this is the fasting that we are called to accept during this Lenten season.

Sunday Homily: 1st Sunday of Lent, 2007

First Sunday of Advent
February 25, 2007
In a commentary on the Psalms, St. Augustine writes these words: "...but if he were not tempted he could not teach you how to triumph over temptation." (Repeat the quote.)
Today, in the liturgy, the Church puts before us the words of St. Luke that describe one of the most human moments or experiences in the life of Jesus, the human being that he was. Luke writes about an event that obviously was passed on to him by the other disciples and perhaps some of the apostles — remember St. Luke was NOT one of the twelve apostles ... he came along a little later.
What temptation is for Jesus as well as you and me is a challenge to us. To be faithful is to be true to our interiority ... the very beingness, you might say, that is me, that is each of you, that is Jesus in this particular event of temptation. Victory over temptation is what some philosophers and theologians have called "moral self-transcendence." A big word we might say. It simply means for me that I have the strength and purpose to overcome the passions in my life that pull me from God.
This strength is in truth an experience of conversion. It is a turning from something to something usually the opposite. In this season of Lent we look to our lives, especially how we have lived with one another and our God. Lenten reflection should bring us to an examination of our temptations to determine if we have had the moral fortitude or "self-transcendence" that keeps us on track with our God.
Conversion is a gradual process. It is not too often a single moment of awareness. Even St. Paul, whom most of us associate with conversion, was not converted, was not able to achieve his own self-transcendence in a single moment. He went off in his blindness for a few days before he was able to open his natural eyes as well as the eyes of his soul. It is the conversion of the humanity of people like Jesus and Paul who bring us into the divinity of God the Father. Catch that: through the humanity of some people we are brought to the divinity of God the Father.
One question we might ask ourselves about Jesus’ ability to overcome the temptations of the Satan as described in the gospel: where did Jesus get this insight, this power to overcome the devil? To answer, "Oh, don’t forget he was God," is really almost a denial of the divine plan that God had for his Son and consequentially for all of us. In our language today we might put it this way: "you can’t have it both ways." How could Jesus come to earth, live with us and among us, just like us in everything but sin and not feel the fullness of temptation? If he didn’t, then he really doesn’t seem to be fulfilling God’s plan that was a gift to us. So, back to the question: where did Jesus get this insight, this ability to overcome temptation?
Recall what Jesus had been doing just prior to the event we call the temptations. He had been alone in the desert for forty days. Alone? Well, not exactly. He was without his friends but he was in prayer with God. It was during that time that he grew psychologically, spiritually. He grew to know God the Father as the pearl of great price. He learned in that desert experience through the gift of the Holy Spirit. It was in those moments of prayer throughout his life that Jesus was actually experiencing through the graces of the Holy Spirit a special bonding with Yahweh, with God the Father.
It is no different for you or me. In our own humanity we have our ups and downs, our haltings and swervings. We encounter moments when we need conversion for giving in to various temptations in our lives. Through our taking time to be present with God in prayer, especially in the season of Lent when Christians throughout the world take time to pray — a gift for all of us — we are opening ourselves to the graces of the Holy Spirit.
Just as Jesus, in his moments of reflections and prayers of praise to the Father, learned that God had a plan — the promise to Israel through a suffering Messiah — and through these experiences of prayer Jesus came to realize a most powerful reality: "I am the one."
He had to confront the Suffering Messiah picture and the realization that he was the one called to that mission. We are no different. In prayer and reflection when we open our hearts to God, we are most likely going to realize what our mission is. In many instances we might have the same feeling that Jesus had: this is what God wants of me. This is what the Holy Spirit is teaching me through this praying.
Maybe this is why many people are genuinely afraid of prayer.
It is not an unusual experience to learn that a person is having difficulty with prayer. So often, in prayer, we are led, like Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, to a deeper awareness of who we are. Likewise when we are in prayer, like Jesus we might come to the same kind of experience: Am I the one God wants to do this? Is this really what he wants of me? This is what drives many away from quiet and prayer: fearfulness of what the vocation might be! But we cannot forget that the Holy Spirit is with us just as with Jesus in his humanity, struggling to accept what he was learning about himself in his prayer and reflection.
Let me conclude here again recalling the word of St. Augustine which, hopefully, now have more meaning for you.
"...but if he were not tempted he could not teach you how to triumph over temptation."
Is God trying to get through to you? Look at the temptations that are keeping you from God. Look at Jesus. He was tempted and taught us that we can overcome the temptations as well.

WHEN does Lent begin?

A great question that I admittedly did not fully understand until now even though Mr. LeBlanc, who knows liturgy well, tried to explain to me the fact that from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday is 40 days plus another seven. Yes seven!!!!

I can hear my brothers saying to me, "What? You mean we have been doing this Lent thing for more than 40 days?" Well, to answer that question as they would want it answered, I would have to say "Yes." "So, explain that for us."

Well, Vatican II documents tried to remedy the confusion that existed. It declared that Lent does begin on Ash Wednesday BUT, BUT, BUT, we count that Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday as penitential days --- maybe it is like Spring training!!! --- and start counting the forty days on Saturday afternoon when the Vigil for the 1st Sunday begins. We then count from Saturday evening until the next Saturday evening when we begin the Vigil of the 2nd Sunday of Lent. That makes seven days. And on that Saturday evening we begin to count another seven days. There are five weeks when we arrive at the Visil for Palm Sunday. That makes thirty fve days. Then Palm Sunday, Monday of Holy Week, Tuesday of Holy Week, Spy Wednesday and Holy Thursday morning. That makes another five days. 35 plus 5 equals 40 days.

The confusion does not end so quickly. When does Lent end? When are ther 40 days completed even if we start on the 1st Sunday of Lent? Well, here we go again. 40 days after the 1st Sunday of Lent is Wednesday, sometimes called "Spy Wednesday" of Holy Week. So, the 40 days of Lent are concluded on Wednesday of Holy Week.

What about the rest of those days in that week? Well, I can say welcome to the Sacred Triduum (three days). Welcome to the most quiet and sacred days in the life of Jesus Christ and the Church. This triduum begins Thursday afternoon and continues through Saturday morning to make three days. From the Vigil of Easter on Holy Saturday evening onward for some additional 40 days we are in the Easter Season.

Now, if you wonder why many priests never want to be a Bishop, trying to figure out something like the above might give you a clue to understanding why!

If you are confused, don't let it bother you.

Rescheduled: Parish Lecture Series - 2nd Talk

DUE TO THE DANGER CONDITIONS ON SOME STREETS AND SIDEWALKS, I HAVE CONSULTED WITH FR. LEO AND WE AGREE THAT IT WOULD BE BETTER TO HAVE HIS PRESENTATION IN APRIL. IT IS RESCHEDULED FOR EITHER THE 22ND OR THE 29TH OF APRIL. THE EXACT DATE WILL BE DETERMINED DURING THE WEEK.

I REGRET THE POSTPONEMENT OF THE PRESENTATION BUT, AS IS SAID SO OFTEN, BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY. WE DO NOT WANT TO HEAR THE SOMEONE HAD AN ACCIDENT OR THAT THERE WAS A FALL.

ENJOY THE EVENING WITH THE OSCARS!!!

Fr. Jordan

Cancellation: Parish Lecture Series - 2nd Talk

DUE TO THE DANGER CONDITIONS ON SOME STREETS AND SIDEWALKS, I HAVE CONSULTED WITH FR. LEO AND WE AGREE THAT IT WOULD BE BETTER TO HAVE HIS PRESENTATION IN APRIL. IT IS RESCHEDULED FOR EITHER THE 22ND OR THE 29TH OF APRIL. THE EXACT DATE WILL BE DETERMINED DURING THE WEEK.

I REGRET THE POSTPONEMENT OF THE PRESENTATION BUT, AS IS SAID SO OFTEN, BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY. WE DO NOT WANT TO HEAR THE SOMEONE HAD AN ACCIDENT OR THAT THERE WAS A FALL.

ENJOY THE EVENING WITH THE OSCARS!!!

Fr. Jordan

TUESDAY EVENING MASSES: LENT

If you read the Lenten Calendar carefully, you will notice that there will be an evening Mass in the Church each Tuesday evening during Lent at 6:00 PM.

AGAIN: Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM .... hopefully to help those who wish to attend Mass during Lent but cannot make the morning Masses.

PARISH LECTURE SERIES: SUNDAY EVENING

FR LEO will be presenting ISLAM AND MODERNITY
tomorrow evening at 7:00 PM as has been noted in previous postings and the parish bulletin.

The predicted weather may indeed involve a need to postpone the talk ... to a date in April.

Please watch for notices tomorrow.

Daily Reflection: 24 Feb 07

Readings
Creighton Spirituality Center Reflections

Today we read again the famous words of Jesus to Matthew: "F0llow me." To follow: this usually signifies a turning from to. This is somewhat the theme in the readings.

In my life Jesus dines with me at each Eucharist: be breaks himself as bread for me, he washes my feet.

You and I, dear reader, are sinners: he dines with us. Why? The redemption has won our salvation, so what's the need? Because we have a need for him in our lives ... a need you and I cannot ignore at times because weaknesses or pride or selfishness are weakening us.

He gives himself to you and me because he wants us to have a better way. He feeds us in the Eucharist just as at the Last Supper he fed Peter and Judas who would later turn away from him.

As we prepare for Mass today or tomorrow, consider how much you need him. Turn to him. Prepare you heart, mind and soul to be nourished by this abundant and loving God of forgiveness.

DAILY REFLECTION: Friday, February 23, 2007

Daily Readings

Spirituality Center Reflections

In the first reading, Isaiah, we read or hear "Would that today you might fast so as to make your voice heard on high!" And this is the fasting that God would ask of us:

• releashing those bound unjustly
• sharing your bread with the hungry
• sheltering the oppressed and homeless
• clothing the naked when you see them
• not turning your back on your own

Reading these words, one must wonder what weight there is in not taking sacrificial offerings seriously.

Daily Reflection: Chair of St Peter Feb 22, 2007

Perhaps to many Catholics celebrating a feast entitled the Chair of St. Peter may seem a little strange.

This feast, however, is actually a celebration of the authority of our Church. The authority is symbolized in the chair of Peter. And, there are two particular chairs that become involved in this feast. The first is the marble chair located in the Basilica of St. Peter behind the main (or Pope's) altar. It is encased in the elaborate Bernini art work. The other, a wooden chair, is a more movable chair, also located in St. Peter's Basilica along the right side of the nave as one approaches the main or Pope's altar. It is the place where the foot of Peter is touched by millions of tourist each year. This is an artist's design. The real portable chair is kept in the baptistery and brought out into the main sanctuary for this feast day. From these chairs, it is believed, Peter and the early Popes anointed and confirmed new believers.

It has been suggested that the two chairs serve well the Church and her dual mission: the support and nurturing of believers and the mission of the apostles to bring new converts to the Church.

There is an interesting play with the marble and wooden chairs and their significance to our Church today. Marble and wood are found in most churches today, modern and ancient. Many of our altars are made of marble or wood. We walk into churches on marble floors and find themselves a place to sit on a wooden chair or pew. No different is the Chair of St. Peter.

When Jesus appointed Peter to be the head of the Church, he raised Peter and his special mission a place of permanence and honor. But, like all of us, Peter was given a mission of service and thereby called to the way of the wooden cross, being roped to an upside down cross, where he died.

This feast, then, should be one that encourages us to a deeper understanding of our faith: that we are nurtured by the tradition and teachings of the Church and then are sent forth into our world as modern day apostles distinguished by our love of God and our sisters and brothers in the Church and those beyond the call of our faith.

DALY REFLECTION: ASH WEDNESDAY

ANONYMOUS

This unknown author offers a reflection on the challenges of daily life. Try practicing this kind of fasting ... it is most likely more difficult than giving up a some of the "things" we usually drop.

Make this Lent meaningful: write down what you will make your

sacrifice during Lent. Keep a score card. Let's see where we are at the end of each week of Lent.

There is a reward: a closer relationship with the Lord and

a genuine sense of accomplishment.

Lent is a season in which we can:

Fast from judging others, feast on the Christ dwelling in us.

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.

Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on trusting in God.

Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives, feast on positives.

Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.

Fast from excessive self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on divine providence.

Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of serenity.

Fast from gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that under girds.'

HELPFUL LENTEN SITES

Our Lady of Victory Parish Masses on Ash Wednesday

7:00 AM 11:30 AM 7:30 PM

Ashes Distributed at these Masses

Praying Lent With Collaborative Ministry Program

A SECOND SITE FOR DAILY READINGS

Daily Reflection: Tuesday, Feb 20, 2007

Daily Readings

On this Fat Tuesday, preparing ourselves not just to clear out the refrigerator, the readings are once again good doses for our consumption.

"When you come to serve the Lord, .... prepare yourself for trial." And, isn't this what Lent is about? However, the greater benefit to our spiritual life in Lent is to use the time more for listening than simply trying to lose some weight, stop smoking, refraining from alcohol. Sirach, again, gives us a clue to what can be a good Lent: "Be sincere of heart and steadfast, incline your ear and receive the word of understanding, undisturbed in time of adversity."

The message is clear. Lent is a time of prayer when we can have some silent time to better help us seek to know the Lord God. We have to incline our ears to the method that allows for our Creator God to speak to us.

The gospel today is a teaching moment for the apostles as well as ourselves. Think not so much about yourselves as to turn your attention and care outside of yourselves.

Today, if you really have the intention in your heart to make Lent a meaningful journey of faith this year, then decide TODAY what it is that you will do for the season of Lent. To delay the decision is simply to avoid beginning, to avoid facing ourselves with the realities that we need address in our lives.

Lent is a retreat. I wish each of you, dear readers, to become involved in an experience of seeking the Lord and his will for you. May your ears open, your heart become more understanding and your will strengthened.

When you come to have your forehead marked with the visible sign of the beginning of the season, let it be a very public reminder to yourself not only that it is the first day of Lent but that you, a Catholic, have decided to take Lent seriously in an effort to strengthen your relationship with God.

Because We Are Growing?

An interesting article in the New York Times focuses upon the problem of crowds ... not in Italian sporting arenas but in the Vatican Museum ... and how some institutions address the issue. A clue: using the forever famous bottom line item -- currency!

Admit One?

Just When You Might Have Thought ....

Surprise! Catholic-Anglican Reunion??? You can read the "leak" that has appeared in the London Times' on line article about an upcoming meeting that is a follow up of some initiation by then Cardinal Joseph Ratziner.

Reunion?

LENTEN PREPARATION THOUGHTS

I would suggest the wedsite prepared by the Spirituality Center at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska as a worthwhile site for some spirituality feeding in preparation for the season of Lent.

Spirituality Center

Daily Reflection: Monday, February 19, 2007

readings for the day Good morning. These readings are loaded with wisdom thoughts. Good for times of frustration, times of worry. The two readings of the day provide much fodder for the two days leading into the beginning of the Lenten season.

"All wisdom comes from the Lord (Sirach 1:1)" And whom has this wisdom? It subtleties? Its discipline? Its multiplicity of ways? ONLY ONE! "The God of dominion." "He created her through the Holy Spirit." "He has poured her forth upon all her works.... he has lavished her upon his friends."

The gospel scene of the post-tranfiguration is an example we might consider to be something of a presentation of our own times, perhaps our own lives at different times, maybe even at this very moment.

The request of the man in the crowd to heal his son from possession "but a mute spirit." He told Jesus as well that his request presented to the disciples was not successful. Then the man asked: "If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."

Why did this caring father ask for compassion not just for the son but "for us"? Presumably for himself, the father and most likely the mother and other family members! This might suggest to us how evil impacts not only the son, in this case, but the family and others. Perhaps a simple scriptural sentence or a word, "us" for example, might lead us to consider our own lives and how evil in whatever form impacts not only ourselves but others as well.

As we go through these two days preparation for the beginning of Lent, perhaps these meaty thoughts might make us think about the purposes of Lenten practices our Church has recommended for centuries: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

The final two sentences of the gospel are worthy of more than a quick read: "Why could you not drive the spirit out? He said to them, 'This kind can only come out through prayer."

Don't wait until Ash Wednesday to decide what Lent can be for you. Use these two days, especially "Fat Tuesday" to beef up your plans for Lent. It is a marvelous time for slimming down all the distractions from our prayer, fasting and almsgiving. "Everything is possible to one who has faith."

NYC CONDOMS CHALLENGED BY CHURCH LEADERS

From the Associated Press:
NEW YORK — New York's top Catholic leaders on Thursday sharply criticized the city for "blanketing our neighborhoods with condoms," saying city officials were promoting promiscuity and degrading society by distributing subway-themed condoms.
The city launched the new official condoms on Valentine's Day with volunteers handing out free samples throughout the city, including on a street corner near St. Patrick's Cathedral in midtown Manhattan.
The plan, the Catholic leaders said, "is tragic and misguided," adding that the only way to protect against sexually transmitted diseases is through abstinence before marriage and fidelity among married couples.
"Our political leaders fail to protect the moral tone of our community when they encourage inappropriate sexual activity by blanketing our neighborhoods with condoms," said Cardinal Edward Egan, head of the Archdiocese of New York, and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn in a joint statement.
Stu Loeser, a spokesman for Mayor Michael Bloomberg, said: "With all due respect to Cardinal Egan and Bishop DiMarzio, we feel differently."
New York officials revamped the condom wrapper in hopes that a distinctive design — featuring the words "NYC Condom" in the fonts and colors used in the subway system — will let them track usage with their annual community health survey.
Egan and DiMarzio said the $720,000 cost of the program "would be far better spent in fostering what is true and what is decent."

Pope Continues Making Changes at Staff Level

New leadership for Vatican's top canon-law office
Vatican, Feb. 15, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) has made another change in the leadership of the Roman Curia, appointing Bishop Francesco Coccopalmerio to become president of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, the Vatican’s top office dealing with matters of canon law. He replaces Cardinal Julian Herranz Casado, who is retiring.
Bishop Coccopalmerio-- who will receive the title of archbishop as he takes the new post-- has been serving as an auxiliary in the Milan archdiocese. A native of Milan, he was ordained to the priesthood there in 1962 and consecrated a bishop in 1993. He has served as a canonical-affairs specialist for the Italian bishops’ conference and as a judge on the Apostolic Signatura, the Vatican’s highest tribunal. He will become the 2nd Milanese prelate holding a leadership position at the Vatican; the other is Cardinal Attilio Nicora, president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See.
Cardinal Herranz, who is retiring just a few weeks short of his 77th birthday, has been president of the Pontifical Council for an extraordinary term of over 12 years. Before being appointed by Pope John Paul II (bio - news) to head the Pontifical Council in December 1994, he had served as secretary of the same body since 1983. Cardinal Herranz, a priest of Opus Dei, received his red hat from Pope John Paul II in October 2003.
The appointment of Archbishop-elect Coccopalmerio was announced on February 15, along with the appointment of Bishop Bruno Bertagna as vice-president of the same Pontifical Council. Bishop Bertagna has been serving as secretary of the Council since 1994. In a somewhat unusual promotion, he too will receive the title of archbishop. Completing the shuffling of offices in the Pontifical Council, the Pope named Msgr. Msgr. Juan Igancio Arrieta Ochoa de Chinchetru, a priest of Opus Dei, to take Bishop Bertagna’s place as the new secretary.
This Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts is the Vatican body charged with the official interpretation of canonical texts and papal directives. The appointments announced on February 15 are likely to put an end to rumors, circulating in Rome in recent weeks, that the Pontifical Council might be absorbed into another Vatican office as part of a general reform of the Roman Curia.

Remember in your prayers

The brother of Mr. Frank Paige, Allen Paige, was critically injured and placed on life-support systems. Yesterday the life-support system was removed. No word yet. Allen lived in Florida. It was my understanding that Allen was struck by a car or truck.

Sunday afternoon concert

Don't forget that tomorrow afternoon, there will be a chamber concert in our church beginning at 4:00 PM. For an hour and a half of relaxing music, join your fellow parishioners and other guests who are planning to attend.

Daily Reflection: Sat Feb 17, 2007

Daily Readings today have much to do with faith. And who of us does have a day, a moment or a thought when it might seem that we are not receiving the attention from Jesus that we have been seeking or when something out of nowhere happens to us. The woman with a multi-yeared hemorrhage comes to mind. She is a wonderful example to us of what faith truly is. We know that faith is more than belief; we can find it rooted in Christ's presence. The woman learned of Jesus's presence in town. So, convinced that he could cure her, she pushed her way through the throngs of people seeing to be near Jesus. She did not give up. All she had to do, she felt, was simply touch the hem of his tunic. How wonderful it must have been for her to hear: "Your faith has saved you."

Pope Benedict's Wednesday Reflection: Women, women, women!!!

In his regular, weekly Wednesday audience, Pope Benedict, having spoken about great figures in our Church's history, brought forward a group of leading figures that many would not expect from the former head of CDF. The topic: women, women, women . It is a magnificent testimony to the very unique and special role women have played in our church throughout the ages, perhaps without the recognition that is due. Of course some women will see it as far from what they want or hope for in the Church. However, I have read the document and am truly amazed at the scope of the Pope's vision in this particular area.

Daily Reflection: February 15th

DAILY READINGS No doubt the instruction of Jesus to his disciples about the challenges his followers would encounter is a reminder to us that discipleship is not a vocation for whimps! He did not say it is not for people who might struggle and fail. He did say that it is for those who, once fallen, are not afraid to stand up and start again.

Think of the closest to him. Peter, in particular, is an example for us. He is indeed a model that brings with him and his failure the ability and the grace to regain his intention. The death of Peter, his own crucifixion, is again a reminder to us that being a person who lives the Christian life and who does not fold can be a true martyrdom.

THURSDAY, Feb 15th: Open/Closed Status

The parish school is closed today as well as tomorrow. Today: due to the unsafe road conditions in many neighborhoods. The policy of the school is to follow the Montgomery County School system concerning the "snow" closings.

Tomorrow had been scheduled as a day when the faculty will be on a retreat. Sister Melannie, Notre Dame of Chardin Sister, will be leading the faculty on a day with the Lord.

Today the parish offices will be opened, assuming the staff members are able to get from their homes to the offices.

Ministers of Holy Communion Directive

The following is a copy of a letter being mailed to all Ministers of Holy Communion today. Hopefully, if there are questions about a slight change in what the Ministers of Holy Communion do at the lituries, this letter may explain the change.

___________________________

February 14, 2007
Dear Ministers of Holy Communion,
Greetings to you on this quiet day following the snow, sleet and rain. There are two messages. First, and foremost, let me thank you for your assistance to me and your fellow parishioners. Your willingness to serve as a Minister of Holy Communion is, no doubt, a source of special satisfaction. For this gift to the parish, I will always be able to offer prayerful words of gratitude.
My second message is perhaps a reminder to some while to others it may be unexpected. Several months ago, Bishop Kevin Farrell, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Washington, sent a communication to me and the other Pastors. His letter was, in essence, a passing on of a directive from the Holy See, in particular from The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
In the directive, which is to be implemented in each parish no later than Ash Wednesday, February 21, 2007, we learn of a change that affects the role of Ministers of Holy Communion. From Tuesday, February 20, 2007 until further notice to the contrary should be sent to the Pastors, Ministers of Holy Communion are to discontinue the purification of chalices and cups used for the distribution of the Precious Blood as well as the purification of ciboria (the vessels used to contain the Body of Christ). The instruction is directed to all Eucharistic liturgies.
Consequently, having completed the distribution of the Sacred Species to the community, simply return the ciboria to the altar and leave them there. If you have distributed the Precious Blood, return to the small table along the back wall of the sanctuary, consuming whatever of the Precious Blood that remains in the cup. Please cover the cup with the corporal that you were using to wipe the sides of the cup. These actions completed, please return to your place in the church.
According to the directive, it is the responsibility of the priest celebrant, a concelebrant priest, a deacon or an acolyte to purify the sacred vessels. At the direction of the celebrant, the sacred vessels will be purified either at the altar or back table before continuing with the liturgy or after the liturgy has concluded.
May God’s blessings continue in your lives.
Gratefully,

Reverend Milton E. Jordan
Pastor

Vatican Participation in Health Issue

NEW PROJECT TO COMBAT PANDEMIC DISEASES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 9, 2007 (VIS) - The Pope today received finance ministers from Italy, United Kingdom, Canada and Russia, for the presentation of the "Advance Market Commitment" project. The ministers were accompanied by Queen Rania of Jordan and by Paul Wolfowitz, president of the World Bank.

Addressing them in English, the Holy Father said that the new project aims "at developing and producing vaccines against pandemic diseases, and making them available to poorer countries. ... [It] is meant to help resolve one of the most pressing challenges in preventative healthcare, one which particularly affects nations already suffering from poverty and serious needs."

"I wholeheartedly encourage your efforts for this new program and its goal of advancing scientific research directed to the discovery of new vaccines. Such vaccines are urgently needed to prevent millions of human beings, including countless children, from dying each year of infectious diseases, especially in those areas of our world at greatest risk.

"In this era of globalized markets," Benedict XVI added, "we are all concerned about the growing gap between the standard of living in countries enjoying great wealth and a high level of technological development, and that of underdeveloped countries where poverty persists and is even increasing."

"I assure you of the Holy See's full support of this humanitarian project, which is inspired by that spirit of human solidarity which our world needs in order to overcome every form of selfishness and to foster the peaceful coexistence of peoples. As I said in my Message for this year's World Day of Peace, every service rendered to the poor is a service rendered to peace, for 'at the origin of many tensions that threaten peace are surely the many unjust inequalities still tragically present in our world'."

WDENSDAY: OFFICES/SCHOOL CLOSED

Due to the inclement weather, the parish offices and the school are closed today.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Benedict XVI's LENTEN MESSAGE

Lenten Message This should link you to the Holy Father's Lenten message for the year 2007. Enjoy the read and let it be a source of prayer and reflection.

Remarkable talent: an artist child prodigy

A friend forwarded to me the following website. You should be amazed, as was I, when I saw some of the paintings a young girl has painted.

http://tinyurl.com/yxewot

OLV SCHOOL BASKETBALL SUCCESSES

Although I was without camera to testify to my presence, Sunday afternoon afforded me a wonderful hour with our 3rd and 4th grade boys' basketball team. Like the 5th and 6th grade girls' team -- UNDEFEATED-- the boys' game was a hoot. Remember the cartoon, Woody Wood Pecker? Remember how the artist had the bird's feet spinning like a wheel when it had to move quickly. Well, that was what came to mind with the smaller of the boys was making extraordinary speed on the court. Congratulations to the students and their coaches. Only a couple more games and the season will be finished. We surely hope that these games will be as victorious as the last ten games.

Daily Reflection: February 14 2007

You can find the daily readings and Creighton University reflection as another source for the readings and a reflection.

The story of Noak and the ark. What is it really about besides the flood and the animals? This biblical story is a teaching moment about FAITH and the endurance of one man in waiting so long for God's reassurance.

When the five months of sailing with all the animals ... must have been a most unusual experience for Mr. and Mrs. Noah and their family ... the first thing Noah did when the boat had settled, the land had dried, was to construct an altar. He then offers burn offerings to God.

It was Noah's faith and the offering that brought God to promise that never again would he strike down humanity. And, as pointed out in another reflection I considered, God's promise reached beyond humanity to a promise never to destroy the basic order and rhythms of life.

In our rush about world so many tell story of their frustration because life is pure chaos. From the chaotic mess in the flooded world, God returned order to its place ... because of the faith of one man! One person can make a difference!

Mark Your Calendar

The Parish Lecture Series for the month of March will, I am sure, draw a large crowd. There will be a panel discussion among three internationally recognized Catholic laymen addressing the Church in Today's World. The guests are as follows:

1. Mr. Russell Shaw. A parishioner, Russell is both a writer and a speaker recognized throughout the Catholic world. At one time, Mr. Shaw was the spokesperson for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He has written numerous articles about the Bishops in this country and the various issues they tackle. Likewise he is frequently a panelist on radio shows dealing with the Church.
2. Dr. Kurt Martens. A Belgian, Dr. Martens recently joined the Canon Law faculty at the Catholic University of America. Dr. Martens is also a recognized scholar of Church history. He was the national tv commentator for both the tv productions of the death, funeral and burial of Pope John Paul II and the conclave, election and ceremonies of installation of Pope Benedict XVI for Belgian tv. Dr. Martens occasionally attends Mass at our parish.
3. Mr. Rocco Palmo. Blogger supreme and writer, Mr. Palmo is recognized world-wide for his refreshing and informative blog, Whispers in the Loggia. He is a regular correspondent for The London Tablet, a recognize scholarly Catholic publication from London, England. Mr Palmo also writes articles about the Church and its happenings in several other blogs.

The presentation will be in the church, immediately following Sunday evening's 6:00 PM Mass on Sunday March 18th. March 18th.

SPECIAL CONCERT

As has been advertised in the bulletins of late and on the parish bulletin boards in church, there is a concert scheduled for 4:00 PM this coming Sunday, February 18th. I will post more information here during the week ... as I don't have a copy of the program before me as I write.

I truly hope that there will be a large number of parishioners who have the time to attend the concert.

The concert will conclude prior to the 6:00 PM evening Mass.

Hope to see you there.

PARISH LECTURE SERIES: February

Don't forget, Fr. Leo will be presenting a most important and interesting topic here at the parish on Sunday evening, February 25th at 7 o'clock, PM. ISLAM AND MODERNITY should help us get another handle on the serious issue that is a part of the necessary understanding of the complexities of the current struggle in the world of religions and in the wars and conflicts that exist in more than a few places. Surely a must if we want to know much more about the topic. This is Fr. Leo's speciality of late!

DAILY REFLECTION: February 12, 2007

The first of today's readings Readings poses a question until you read the Genesis citation: Who is Seth? Do you remember? One of the three sons of Adam and Eve. "God has granted me more offspring in place of Able because Cain slew him (v.25)" Remember Cain, the elder of the brothers, was a farmer type guy. Tilling soil and bringing produce was his thing. Abel, on the other hand, was a shepard. At one point of offering making, Abel's gift of a prized animal seemed to please Yahweh more than Cain's offering of some fruit produce. In a fit of jealousy, Cain killed Abel. After Yahweh sought Cain out, he called him to repentance. He was told that mastering sin was a possibility.

Who is there that has not had to encounter the reality that our thoughts are often avenues leading us to sin? Numerous saints have written of their own personal struggles with thoughts that lead to sin. As in the life of Cain, sin easily separates us from others as well as our God.

A recent conversation with several priests and their retreat master, surprised the director. The topic was challenges that Pastors encounter in our efforts to help the people who come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Among the challenges that relates to thoughts that lead to sin is what a number of Pastors expressed as a "new" presentation of an old issue. Recently, it seems, a growing number of adult, married men and women have become addicted to Internet pornography. It is not just a young male or pedophile issue. As one Pastor mentioned, "and these are people who are married with children."

This kind of sin separates a person from God and from the community, especially the community of one's family. This kind of sin is truly the bait that leads one to self-destruction.

Let us pray for all who have succumbed to the addictive nature of the Internet that so quickly can pull a person away from leading a normal and healthy life. Surely the Internet is a marvelous instrument for learning and greater awareness of the wonders of creation. It is, as we are learning, an instrument that can divide us from one another and God.

DAILY REFLECTION

Today, the multiplication of the loaves and fish do directly impact all of us today's readings . In the gospel we encounter Jesus, the man, once again demonstrating great care for the crowd that was following him, listening to his preaching. But, as Mark noted, "again ... without anything to eat." His teaching must have been magnetic. Perhaps it was so strong that it helped fill the emptiness of many stomachs!

And what must have been in the mind and heart of Jesus when he took the loaves and fish which he blessed and then saw such a multiplication. Enough to feed about 4000 adults! What do you think he must has said in his quiet prayer to Yahweh about such power, about this unique gift he was experiencing?

Again, he could not be "playing God." He was living among us a man. Wouldn't he have cheapened his sacrifice if he played between God and man in all he did while on this earth? What wonder and awe there is for each of us, if we let Jesus be Jesus, the man on a mission!

Can you even begin to imagine the conversation in the boat between Jesus and the disciples as they sailed away to another region? I know I would be like Peter, wanting answers immediately. "How did you do that?" "Where did you get that power?" "Are you some very special person?" "Can you tell us?" When a magician does magic before a group of children, they are dumbfounded? How? What's the secret? I feel like a child as I consider what Jesus as just done for about 4000 people.

This event in Jesus' life might be seen not simply as a great moment of charity for hungry people. I see it as a reminder that Jesus can take whatever we have and do so much with it for the good of God's kingdom --- if we but allow him to have what we have. I think especially of parents with younger children.

Today's young people have so much but yet are so hungry. Just get beneath the Ipods, Nintendos, and computers and the pages where they pour out their guts --- unfortunately for the wrong people to read. All those wonderful electronic marvels become instruments of loneliness in a terribly addictive way. In all that loneliness there is simply a calling out: "I AM HUNGRY. FEED ME WITH SOMETHING OF GENUINE VALUE." What a challenge this must be for you who have young children. How do you know what to multiply in your children's lives? How difficult it must be to not multiply what is not good when you confront "the other kids have that" message! Jesus will give you the food you need ... the strength to be the parent you know you want to be.

Refuse to see yourself as inauthentic or cowardly, because those thoughts wil keep you from acting on what you know you were meant to be. Take daily steps to bring your thoughts of your grand heroic mission into harmony with your activities. ----- Dr. Wayne Dyer, The Power of Intention Perpetual Calendar for today, February 10, 2007

GOOD NEWS FROM WHISPERS

Friend, Rocco Palmo, Whispers in the Loggia blogger, has noted today that there is a website that has the Office of the Hours. It is a subscription service. However, FRIDAYS are free viewing days. Take a look at www.eBreviary.com .

It may be a little confusing getting around the home page. Just move slowly trying different approaches.

I believe Rocco noted that the cost is $30.00 per year. A little money but for prayer groups looking for a printed copy of the Office texts, this might be a help.

Thanks, Mr. Whispers! And now it is time for me to get ready to face the desk in my office after almost a week away.

DAILY REFLECTION

The gospel reading for today's liturgy (daily readings) is a good text for me to begin sharing some of my own insight into the humanity of Jesus, using some of the graces that the Spirit granted during my time on the mountain.

As Jesus moved into his ministry, surely there had to be an awareness building in his mind and heart: I may be the one sent ... as mentioned in the words of the prophets. Being like us in everything but sin, this particular miracle Jesus performed, healing the deaf and mute man, must has been a cause of some anxiety. How surmise that? Why would he have taken the man out of the sight of the crowd that brought him to Jesus for healing? Despite the apprehension that might have been a part of his heart, Jesus was moved by tenderness and genuine care for the man. As faith healers today, Jesus touched the man and said 'Be healed.'

Why would order the crowd not to tell anyone? Jesus was aware that reports were being brought to the authorities about his healings and his growing popularity among the people. Likewise Jesus, the Jew that he was, had heard the words of the prophets. He must have wondered about what would be happening to himself if he continued to be a threat. Isn't this a sign to us of his sacrifice for us? Imagine living each day with that kind of fear or anxiety. To say that he did not have those feelings is akin to saying that his life on earth really wasn't as great a sacrifice because he "knew" the rest of the story! I think this is a part of the gift Jesus gave us ... we overlook the reality of what it was for him to be a man like us in everything but sin! Why would he have reiterated his wish not to spread the news? This must have been frustrating. He must have sensed being between a rock and a hard place: he wanted to continue preaching and healing but at the same time had to warn the people not to tell.

What meaning is there for us here? Two thoughts: (1) Jesus' willingness to accept the Father's love for humankind ... personal acceptance of a mission that was packed with challenges ... accepting a calling that would probably cause great pain ... not just in the pain expressed in the garden before he was brought to trial; (2) the sensitivity of Jesus to one in need. Words from the responsorial psalm fit here well ..."For this shall every faithful man pray to you in time of stress. Though deep waters overflow, they shall not reach him."

When you get to know Jesus through these kind of thoughts, does it not bring you to a deeper admiration, a stronger desire to follow and gratitude to the Father for so much love for us? Let us pray: Glory be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit .....

RETREAT: Grand Experience

Last evening, after four days "on the mountain top," as spiritual directors call the time away from one's usual day-to-day living, I return refreshed both in the spirit and somewhat in body -- my never ending cold seemed to find its way back to me just before beginning the retreat.

The retreat house, located in Faulkner, MD, sits high above the Potomac River, a couple of miles north of the Rt 301 bridge from MD to VA. The times for gathering together with other priests from the Archdiocese in fraternity and in prayer were the true refreshers along with our director, Fr. John Haughey, SJ (pronounced Hoy as in toy, boy, Roy whatever).

The principal theme of the retreat meditations was the humanity of Jesus. It was truly eye opening to consider Jesus in light of Fr. Haughey's insights which were truly brilliant and jarring at the same time. I believe this Jesuit might be one who truly reflects the years of study and prayer in ways that challenge anyone to open up one's mind and heart to the words of scripture.

Something of a picture of Fr. Haughey, on the right, with another priest during a lecture at Seton Hall.

Coming Out of Retirement: Example of Sports Figures Impacting One Bishop!!

The following story appeared in yesterday's issue of Catholic World News concerning a Paraguayan Bishop who, in "supposed" retirement has decided to unretire but not as a Bishop. He has decided to run for the office of President of Paraguay! But, NO SO says the Holy See.
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Feb. 1, 2007 (CWNews.com) - "The Vatican has announced the suspension of a retired Catholic bishop in Paraguay who is campaigning for the country’s presidency.
Bishop Fernando Lugo Mendez, the former Bishop of San Pedro, has been suspended a divinis, the apostolic nuncio in Paraguay revealed. The Vatican decision was conveyed by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re (bio - news), the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, after the Paraguayan prelate rejected Rome’s directive that he must end his presidential race.
Cardinal Re had warned Bishop Lugo about the prospect of canonical sanctions even before the Paraguayan bishop announced his presidential candidacy on Christmas Day. Lugo will challenge incumbent President Nicanor Duarte Frutos in the country’s May 2008 elections.
Bishop Lugo, who has not been active in priestly ministry for some time, has told the Vatican that he wishes to “resign” from the priesthood. He has already renounced his clerical status in Paraguay-- as required by the country’s constitution, which bars a religious minister from serving as president.
Bishop Lugo was appointed in 1994 to head the San Pedro diocese. He resigned in January 2005, citing health considerations, but any concerns about his health are belied by his continued active role in social and political affairs."

Another blogger shouts, a New Jersey priest who has a devoted attention to heraldry, posted reference to this story and whimsically concluded his posting using his heraldry skills. It does offer something of a smile for a Saturday morning as posted at the top of this posting.

No doubt Fr. Robert Drinan, SJ would be having a wonderful chat with St. Peter over this one. And thanks to Fr. Guy Sylvester for his sense of humor and his insight: Elective government office is no place for those who have responded to the call to priesthood. Would it be "Hail to the Chief" of "Salve to the Bishop"? Enough silliness for a Saturday morning.

A "Dyer" Thought: Today and Everyday

From the perpetual calendar of Dr. Wayne Dyer comes this thought that can make life so much more peaceful and positive.

Whether you call it God, Spirit, Source, or intention, be aware that unkind thoughts weaken, and kind thoughts strengthen, your connection to it.

Catholic Schools Week

Congratulations to Principal, Mrs. Sheila Martinez, and the Faculty and all others who had any part in the various events that were produced during this special week. There were many wonderful moments during the six days of celebration. What a special joy it was on Thursday, special Pizza Lunch Day, when the kindergarten children came to the lunch room to find a plate with a slice of pizza and a cup cake. Since they were unaware of the special lunch, their expression and clapping of hands was something to behold. If all that joy could have been bottled!!! And the talent show: it showed me one of the great benefits of an OLV education: stepping up before a group of your peers and not being afraid to sing, dance or play an instrument -- when they knew they might not have been awarded a place in Hollywood with The American Idol Show. This is surely one of the benefits that any child needs as he/she grows into his/her teenage years. To stand up in front of the whole school and many parents when professional training has not been a part of a scholar's past requires a great deal of fortitude. It is the same kind of fortitude needed later in life when moral or ethical issues become a challenge and it is necessary to stand up again peer pressure. This is just another reason why I am so happy to be assigned to OLV and to have Mrs. Martinez as our Principal and a strong faculty who supports her in her leadership. Parents, you should be most happy with your choice of a school for you child(ren).

A PASTORAL DEFICIT

A pastoral deficit
Since my homily tomorrow will be the Archbishop's Appeal presentation, I am offering some interesting reading ... an article in the February 3, 2007 issue of The London Tablet by the Bishop of the Diocese of Erie, PA, Most Reverend Donald Trautman. You may find it interesting and challenging as the Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy expresses serious concern about some changes in the wording in the liturgy that are expected to be announced by the Holy See in the near future.

The new English translation of the Missal being prepared by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy has caused grave concern. Here a leading liturgist argues that the translation falls short in one of its primary obligations
Whether the faith needs of the people are being met in the Eucharist; whether the liturgical rituals are understandable; and whether the liturgy touches the ordinary members of the congregation are all questions about the pastoral function of liturgy. The proposed new English translation of the Order of Mass, as presented by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy, needs to be assessed in these terms. How truly pastoral is it?
In evaluating the translations we need to consider whether the texts are both understandable and proclaimable, and whether they use a word order, vocabulary and idiom of the mainstream of English-speaking people. If these texts are to be the prayers of the people, are they owned by them and expressed in their language? The texts include new words of the Creed, such as "consubstantial to the Father" and "incarnate of the Virgin Mary", while words in the various new Collects include "sullied", "unfeigned", "ineffable", "gibbet", "wrought", thwart". Do these translated texts communicate in the living language of the worshipping assembly? Will God's people understand the fourth paragraph of the proposed Blessing of Baptismal Water, which has 56 words or 11 lines in one sentence?Let me treat in particular the new demand for a sacred vocabulary in liturgical texts. The instruction Liturgiam Authenticam (norm 27) of 2001 advocates "a sacred style that will come to be recognised as proper to liturgical language". But scholars have pointed out that the celebration of the Eucharist always followed the language of the people. There was no such thing in East or West as a sacred language.
Some would contend that this new approach by the Vatican derives from a decided loss of a sense of awe, mystery and transcendence in the liturgy after the Second Vatican Council. Yet, while no one should be opposed to the transcendent dimension in liturgical translation, an exaggerated attention to the sacred distorts the balance between transcendence and immanence.
Scripture presents God under a twofold image: king and neighbour, transcendence and immanence. At times God shows himself as an awesome and powerful presence, a mighty monarch controlling the universe who prompts awe in his people. We see an example of this in the Old Testament when God appears to Moses at the burning bush. Moses takes off his sandals because he is on holy ground and he bows his head. In the New Testament, Christ is transfigured before his apostles. He appears radiant; his divinity shines through his humanity. In the Pauline Epistles, Jesus is the transcendent Lord, the Risen One, exalted on high, who knocks Paul to the ground on the road to Damascus. But at other times Scripture reveals God like a neighbour: friendly, close to his people, personal, human in appearance, and inspiring love, intimacy and fervour. This is the immanent image of God. Both transcendence and immanence are necessary for a proper understanding of the revealed God. Both are equal revelations of God. Balance is needed, and the delicate balance between transcendence and immanence must be maintained in our liturgy. I would suggest strongly that there is today an imbalance between transcendence and immanence in our liturgical language.
While people need an understanding of the transcendence of God, the use of expressions not prevalent in the speech of the assembly and the use of archaic words defeat that purpose and make God remote. The new formalism in liturgical translation will stifle authentic worship. For Christ's message can only be heard in the culture of the hearer. Liturgy does not take place in a cultural vacuum. If the liturgy of the Church is not celebrated in terms that resonate with the assembly, it will not be heard.
Other changes have profound theological implications. The Pope announced recently that in the new Missal the words prayed over the cup will be changed. Now we pray: "This is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant; it will be shed for you and for all". These words will be changed to "for you and for many". It is the clear, certain teaching of the Catholic Church that Christ died for all. So what is behind the change? The reason given is that "for many" represents a more accurate translation of the Latin phrase pro multis.
In support of the translation "for all", on the other hand, scholars point to the Aramaic texts that underlie the biblical and liturgical texts of the Eucharistic Institution narrative. It can be demonstrated that the Aramaic texts are clearly inclusive and there are also many other Scripture passages documenting Jesus' universal salvific will.
In Matthew 26: 28 and following, we read: "For this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins." The reference to the "many" is certainly drawn from Isaiah 53: 11, where we read: "Through his suffering, my servant shall justify many and their guilt he shall bear."
In this passage the term "many" is a Hebrew word that means "for everyone", since there was no Hebrew word "for all". The term was originally inclusive and signified "everybody". The Jesuit scholar Max Zerwick's Philological Analysis of the Greek New Testament is still an unsurpassed authority. On Matthew 26: 28 Zerwick explains that polloi, the Greek for "the many", translates a Semitic expression that can signify a multitude and at the same time a totality. It means "all (who are many)".
This was strongly affirmed by the Congregation for Divine Worship in 1970 when the Congregation commissioned Zerwick to research and write an article on the meaning of pro multis. That article was published in the official organ of that Congregation (Notitiae) in May 1970 (pages 138-140). It states: "According to exegetes, the Aramaic word which in Latin is translated ‘pro multis' means ‘pro omnibus': the multitude for whom Christ died is unbounded, which is the same as saying: Christ died for all. St Augustine will help recall this: ‘You see what He hath given; find out then what He bought. The Blood of Christ was the price. What is equal to this? What, but the whole world? What, but all nations?' "
In 1970 the Congregation for Divine Worship made a definitive judgement and published it in its official organ. What reasons now compel the Holy See to reverse itself? The English word "many" is normally taken to exclude some. The Pope's decision to revert to this literal translation does not seem to express in English the true meaning of the phrase. "Many" does not mean everyone. On a pastoral level we must have from the Vatican a better rationale for this major change than what has been given. With full respect and love for the Holy See, we need a pastoral explanation for the people. Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, concedes that "for many" does not convey at face value the Lord's universal salvific intent, but that this belongs to catechesis. Is not the liturgy the best form of catechesis? The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: "The liturgy is the privileged place for catechising the people of God" (Paragraph 1074).
We need to be able to explain and defend this major liturgical change. We need biblical scholars to study this matter and give us a rationale that we can give our people. We need a pastoral approach. How many people in the pews will hear a universal inclusive meaning in "for many"?
We must hope that the work of liturgical pioneers and leaders of the liturgical movement will continue to develop and that their vision will not be in vain. Cardinal Suenens once remarked: "Happy are those who dream dreams of full, conscious and active participation in the liturgy and are ready to pay the price to make that come true." These are brave and challenging words from a Father of the Second Vatican Council.

ANNUAL RETREAT

ANNUAL RETREAT

On Sunday afternoon, I will leave for my annual retreat with some other priests of the Archdiocese. During my absence the ever-faithful "retired" priest, Msgr. Duffy will be caring for the parish. I know you will be kind to him. I shall return, halo glowing, on Thursday afternoon. It will be glowing because the retreat master is Jesuit Father Jack Haughey.

During the days that I will be on the mountain top, the Daily Reflections will be suspended.

While I am praying, may I ask that you take a little time each day to say a prayer for me and the other priests making the retreat. Yes, we are praying much more than usual. Yet, it is so well known that your prayers for your pastor during his retreat will be most beneficial. My request is specific: that you ask God to grace me with the gifts of wisdom and leadership during the next year. Each year offers its own challenges and graces. I know that I will need the graces you can gain for me through your prayers. There are some challenging issues that will be in front of us.

DAILY REFLECTION

Candlemas Day: The Presentation of the Lord

Well, we are now forty days beyond Christmas. It is officially the conclusion of the Christmas season today. Time to put the Christmas tree and other decorations aware for another even months. Can you figure why the time passes so swiftly?

In many places where religion has not become a weekend only practice, today there are processions and the blessing of candles. Jesus, today was brought with his mother to the temple: for her purification. Her obedience to the law. Jesus' presence with his mother at the temple and the meeting of Anna and Simeon. Each of these figures represents for us a lived out hope. Simeon had been promised that he would not see death until he had seen Jesus, the Lord. He went to the temple in hope. Anna, a widow, was always in the temple, worshiping Yahweh with prayer and fasting, hoping for all that Yahweh had promised.

T0day Jesus does not enter the temple. In the Eucharist, Jesus enters our hearts. It might be a good moment to reflect on my own conviction that we are truly blessed by God because of the eucharistic gift. If I know how great a treasure this is, would I not want to share in the Eucharistic as often as possible?

A thought for the weekend from Dr. Wayne Dyer: "Radiate an energy of serenity and peace so that you have an uplifting effect on those you come into contact with."