Friday, October 12, 2007
Ordinary time is...
... getting too ordinary. As such, this Catholic blogger has already set up his nativity scene and advent wreath.
Labels: Advent, Christmas, Miscellaneous, Photos
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Now Reading: The Mystery of the Incarnation
(St. Paul's) "Divided into 3 parts: The Mystery of the Incarnation, The Third Millennium- A Challenge and Celebrating the Incarnation. The late Cardinal Basil Hume reflects on the meaning of the Incarnation and its meaning for our lives and for society (months before his death). He helps us see that it is an event that should be at the center of our millennium celebrations, and encourages us to fix our eyes on Christ, the light of the world."
A book of deep simplicity and prayerfullness that will definately speak to all Catholics, especially those on the margins of faith. This Christmas season is definately a good time to pick up this book.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
By: H.H. Benedict XVI
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We have just heard in the Gospel the message given by the angels to the shepherds during that Holy Night, a message which the Church now proclaims to us: "To you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger" (Lk 2:11-12). Nothing miraculous, nothing extraordinary, nothing magnificent is given to the shepherds as a sign. All they will see is a child wrapped in swaddling clothes, one who, like all children, needs a mother’s care; a child born in a stable, who therefore lies not in a cradle but in a manger. God ’s sign is the baby in need of help and in poverty. Only in their hearts will the shepherds be able to see that this baby fulfils the promise of the prophet Isaiah, which we heard in the first reading: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder" (Is 9:5). Exactly the same sign has been given to us. We too are invited by the angel of God, through the message of the Gospel, to set out in our hearts to see the child lying in the manger.
God’s sign is simplicity. God’s sign is the baby. God’s sign is that he makes himself small for us. This is how he reigns. He does not come with power and outward splendour. He comes as a baby defenceless and in need of our help. He does not want to overwhelm us with his strength. He takes away our fear of his greatness. He asks for our love: so he makes himself a child. He wants nothing other from us than our love, through which we spontaneously learn to enter into his feelings, his thoughts and his will we learn to live with him and to practise with him that humility of renunciation that belongs to the very essence of love. God made himself small so that we could understand him, welcome him, and love him. The Fathers of the Church, in their Greek translation of the Old Testament, found a passage from the prophet Isaiah that Paul also quotes in order to show how God’s new ways had already been foretold in the Old Testament. There we read: "God made his Word short, he abbreviated it" (Is 10:23; Rom 9:28). The Fathers interpreted this in two ways. The Son himself is the Word, the Logos; the eternal Word became small small enough to fit into a manger. He became a child, so that the Word could be grasped by us. In this way God teaches us to love the little ones. In this way he teaches us to love the weak. In this way he teaches us respect for children. The child of Bethlehem directs our gaze towards all children who suffer and are abused in the world, the born and the unborn. Towards children who are placed as soldiers in a violent world; towards children who have to beg; towards children who suffer deprivation and hunger; towards children who are unloved. In all of these it is the Child of Bethlehem who is crying out to us; it is the God who has become small who appeals to us. Let us pray this night that the brightness of God’s love may enfold all these children. Let us ask God to help us do our part so that the dignity of children may be respected. May they all experience the light of l ove, which mankind needs so much more than the material necessities of life.
And so we come to the second meaning that the Fathers saw in the phrase: "God made his Word short". The Word which God speaks to us in Sacred Scripture had become long in the course of the centuries. It became long and complex, not just for the simple and unlettered, but even more so for those versed in Sacred Scripture, for the experts who evidently became entangled in details and in particular problems, almost to the extent of losing an overall perspective. Jesus "abbreviated" the Word he showed us once more its deeper simplicity and unity. Everything taught by the Law and the Prophets is summed up he says in the command: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind You shall love your neighbour as yourself" (Mt 22:37-40). This is everything the whole faith is contained in this one act of love which embraces God and humanity. Yet now further questions arise: how are we to love God with all our mind, when our intellect can barely reach him? How are we to love him with all our heart and soul, when our heart can only catch a glimpse of him from afar, when there are so many contradictions in the world that would hide his face from us? This is where the two ways in which God has "abbreviated" his Word come together. He is no longer distant. He is no longer unknown. He is no longer beyond the reach of our heart. He has become a child for us, and in so doing he has dispelled all doubt. He has become our neighbour, restoring in this way the image of man, whom we often find so hard to love. For us, God has become a gift. He has given himself. He has entered time for us. He who is the Eternal One, above time, he has assumed our time and raised it to himself on high. Christmas has become the Feast of gifts in imitation of God who has given himself to us. Let us allow our heart, our soul and our mind to be touched by this fact! Among the many gifts that we buy and receive, let us not forget the true gift: to give each other something of ourselves, to give each other something of our time, to open our time to God. In this way anxiety disappears, joy is born, and the feast is created. During the festive meals of these days let us remember the Lord’s words: "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite those who will invite you in return, but invite those whom no one invites and who are not able to invite you" (cf. Lk 14:12-14). This also means: when you give gifts for Christmas, do not give only to those who will give to you in return, but give to those who receive from no one and who cannot give you anything back. This is what God has done: he invites us to his wedding feast, something which we cannot reciprocate, but can only receive with joy. Let us imitate him! Let us love God and, starting from him, let us also love man, so that, starting from man, we can then rediscover God in a new way!
And so, finally, we find yet a third meaning in the saying that the Word became "brief" and "small". The shepherds were told that they would find the child in a manger for animals, who were the rightful occupants of the stable. Reading Isaiah (1:3), the Fathers concluded that beside the manger of Bethlehem there stood an ox and an ass. At the same time they interpreted the text as symbolizing the Jews and the pagans and thus all humanity who each in their own way have need of a Saviour: the God who became a child. Man, in order to live, needs bread, the fruit of the earth and of his labour. But he does not live by bread alone. He needs nourishment for his soul: he needs meaning that can fill his life. Thus, for the Fathers, the manger of the animals became the symbol of the altar, on which lies the Bread which is Christ himself: the true food for our hearts. Once again we see how he became small: in the humble appearance of the host, in a small piece of bread, he gives us himself.
All this is conveyed by the sign that was given to the shepherds and is given also to us: the child born for us, the child in whom God became small for us. Let us ask the Lord to grant us the grace of looking upon the crib this night with the simplicity of the shepherds, so as to receive the joy with which they returned home (cf. Lk 2:20). Let us ask him to give us the humility and the faith with which Saint Joseph looked upon the child that Mary had conceived by the Holy Spirit. Let us ask the Lord to let us look upon him with that same love with which Mary saw him. And let us pray that in this way the light that the shepherds saw will shine upon us too, and that what the angels sang that night will be accomplished throughout the world: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased." Amen!
Excerpt of H.H. Pope Benedict XVI's December 24, 2005's Homily:
In the stable of Bethlehem there appeared the great light which the world awaits. In that Child lying in the stable, God has shown his glory the glory of love, which gives itself away, stripping itself of all grandeur in order to guide us along the way of love. The light of Bethlehem has never been extinguished. In every age it has touched men and women, "it has shone around them". Wherever people put their faith in that Child, charity also sprang up charity towards others, loving concern for the weak and the suffering, the grace of forgiveness. From Bethlehem a stream of light, love and truth spreads through the centuries. If we look to the Saints from Paul and Augustine to Francis and Dominic, from Francis Xavier and Teresa of Avila to Mother Teresa of Calcutta we see this flood of goodness, this path of light kindled ever anew by the mystery of Bethlehem, by that God who became a Child. In that Child, God countered the violence of this world with his own goodness. He calls us to follow that Child.
Labels: Christmas, Holy Father, Homily
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas Mass
This morning's 0000hr Mass in one of the East Coast parishes was one of the most beautiful Masses I've ever attended. Yes! A beautiful Novus Ordo Mass! I've never seen altar servers so reverent, top class music from the Choir, the vestments were beautiful, half of the liturgy was sung, and most of the congregation was... for the first time... silent during the Canon and actively participating in the hymns; many came dressed in their Sunday best (something that has become very rare), lastly, no one left the pews immediately after the final blessing.
Why can't we have this at all Masses? It is in the celebration of such Masses that I feel the Novus Ordo Mass can indeed be salvaged through the "Reform of the Reform" as called for by H.H. Pope Benedict XVI when he was Cardinal.
However......
- Although it has been indicated that "during the Creed, at the words and became man all genuflect on one knee if they are recited, and on both knees if they are sung." This did not take place.
- Also, the Choir should not have gone into the Sanctuary without geneflecting and turning their backs to the altar and tabernacle.
- Communion ministers should not bless children with hosts in their hands!
Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus! And restore you Church to it's former Glory! Bring peace and stabilty and unity to her and guide your Vicar on earth. Make each and every member of your True Church grow in love with one another, so that our witness may be stronger than ever. Bless all those who bear the name Roman Catholic, especially those who endeavour to preach orthodoxy and carry on tradition. Call more young people to yourself to be workers in your vineyard; ministers of your word and dispensers of your Sacraments. Through the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God & St. Joseph. Amen.
Labels: Christmas, Liturgy, Thoughts
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Merry Christmas
May the good LORD BLESS you
with His CHOICEST graces
and keep you in His Love;
May He bring you to a FULFILLMENT
all the PRECIOUS dreams
that are in your HEART
and keep you in His Love;
May He bring you to a FULFILLMENT
all the PRECIOUS dreams
that are in your HEART
Merry Christmas!
This time will be used to catch up with friends and family; formal blogging will resume in 2007.
In Christo,
Deo Juvante
Feast of Saint John Kanty
Labels: Christmas
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Nothing wrong with "Xmas"
(via Dappled Things)
Here is one of my pet peeves: people who take it upon themselves to oppose the supposedly un-Christian and secular use of "Xmas" as an alternative to "Christmas."
The "X" in question is not, in fact, the usual Latin letter, but rather the Greek letter "chi." This is the same chi that you see in church joined to a "P" -- which is, of course, not a "P," but rather the Greek letter "rho." The chi, usually together with the rho, is an ancient monogram for Christ, inasmuch as these are the two letters that begin the word Christ -- Messiah -- in Greek. You find it in digs from Christian antiquity, you see it used in mediaeval religious manuscripts, and you find it in the modern "Xmas."
By all means, withstand the secularization of Christian solemnities, but please be sure that you know what you're talking about first.
Here is one of my pet peeves: people who take it upon themselves to oppose the supposedly un-Christian and secular use of "Xmas" as an alternative to "Christmas."
The "X" in question is not, in fact, the usual Latin letter, but rather the Greek letter "chi." This is the same chi that you see in church joined to a "P" -- which is, of course, not a "P," but rather the Greek letter "rho." The chi, usually together with the rho, is an ancient monogram for Christ, inasmuch as these are the two letters that begin the word Christ -- Messiah -- in Greek. You find it in digs from Christian antiquity, you see it used in mediaeval religious manuscripts, and you find it in the modern "Xmas."
By all means, withstand the secularization of Christian solemnities, but please be sure that you know what you're talking about first.
Labels: Christmas
As Christmas approaches... ...
Christmas Carols
In dulci jubilo
Once in royal David's city
Kings College performs "Gabriel's Message"
Hark the heralds
Once in royal David's city
Kings College performs "Gabriel's Message"
Hark the heralds
Labels: Choral, Christmas, Music, Video
Wonderful Counselor
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor," Isaiah 9:6
"Wonderful" is a word that in the original Hebrew means beyond our comprehension. Part of what this means is that Christ is far beyond our thinking and understanding. It's simply mind-boggling who Christ is-and what He has done. He is uncommon, unique, and distinctly different from everyone else.
Jesus is called "Wonderful Counselor" by the prophet Isaiah. A counselor is someone who can help us put the broken pieces back together and make sense out of our lives. And because Jesus is Counselor above all others, life makes sense when we know Him! This also means that without Him, nothing makes sense-not even Christmas!
This is why so many people are actually miserable during the Christmas season. They are filled with anger, self-importance, and other spiritual poisons. They're also battling emotional and psychological problems that result from their spiritual needs. People think they need medications and counselors, but they're only partly correct. What they really need is the Wonderful Counselor!
Let us take time today to thank God who sent His Son… the Wonderful Counselor…
Discovering what truly matters in light of eternity is a lesson we have to keep learning and relearning as we go along. And learning that is part of what Christ does as He works in our life each and every day.
But what are we doing in the meantime that will matter for eternity? We need to take a look at our schedules and ask ourselves how much of our time is devoted to building our relationship with Christ, loving and serving others, and helping the lost know Christ? If the answer to this question bothers us, we need to be ready to make some adjustments.
WE NEED TO FOCUS ON WHAT WILL MATTER FOR ETERNITY.
As the Season of Advent comes to an end, let us 'fine tune' our lives to welcome the Wonderful Counselor.
May we also ask our Blessed Mother to help us feel the excitement and joy she experienced when she bore the Wonderful Counselor.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Season's Greetings II
Even the entrance to the popular Orchard Road shopping belt no longer carries the traditional, "Merry Christmas" greeting. Christ is the Reason for the Season!! Bring back, "Merry Christmas"!
Immaculate Mother Mary, protect your child.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Season's Greetings
I visited Parkway Parade this evening to check out the Christmas light-up. The traditional greeting, "Merry Christmas" has disspeared extirely from all the decorations and signages. Replacing it is the phrase, "Season's Greetings". Frankly, I hate the latter and I even wonder if "Merry Christmas" has disapeared from the lexicon. Have we forgotten the true meaning of Christmas?
Our dear Lord has been ignored, forgotten, (and even despised) once again. The Nativity Scene too, is now becoming a rare sight. The Nativity Scene is a strong, vivid reminder of Our Lord- the light of the world- descending from His throne in Heaven to be born as a vunerable babe for the sake of our salvation. In it's place are figurines of Santa and his elves, snowmen, etc...
I'm saddened everytime I think of our Lord being forsaken by the very people he came to save.Why are men so blind and ignorant. We have given our souls to the secular world; the empty bubble the world offers in the full-page ads and TV commercials. The true hapiness is turning away from sin and selfishness and giving ourselves entirely to Jesus whom we can rest assured to be with in heaven one day. As Advent approaches, may we pledge ourselves once more as ardent disciples of the Holy Babe of Bethleham and restore His social Kingship here on earth, until He comes in glory!
God of mercy of compassion, look with compassion upon me! Let me call thee Father. 'Tis thy child returns to Thee. Jesus Lord, I ask for mercy. Let me not implore in vain! All my sins I now detest them, help me not to sin again. But my sins I have deserved death and endless misery. Hell with all it pains and torments and for all eternity. Jesus Lord, I ask for mercy. Let me not implore in vain! By my sins I have abandoned. Right and claim to heaven above, where Saints rejoice forever in a boundless sea of love. Jesus Lord, I ask for mercy. Let me not implore in vain! Amen.
Thursday, November 9, 2006
Tis' the Season!
"The evergreen Fir tree reminds us of our Lord Jesus Christ- the same Yesterday, Today and Forever!"
I've erected my Christmas Tree. Have you?
The Nativity of our Lord is round the corner, this is the right time to set up your Christmas trees (if you've not already done so). Also, please do not forget to set up the Nativity Crib as a strong and vivid reminder of our Lord's Incarnation; especially for those with children .
More on the symbolic purpose of the Christmas Tree- along with other fun facts- will be posted soon.
Pax tecum!
Dedication of the Archbasilica of the Holy Savior
Labels: Christmas, Traditionalism
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