Scribblers' Video

 My writer's group is Franklin Senior Scribblers.  We wrote a book and we video taped our book release.  Enjoy:

Soul Cakes

 

WHAT ARE SOUL CAKES?

Soul, Soul, a soul cake!
I pray thee, good missus, a soul cake!
One for Peter, two for Paul,
three for Him what made us all!
Soul Cake, soul cake, please good missus, a soul cake.
An apple, a pear, a plum, or a cherry, any good thing to make us all merry.
One for Peter, two for Paul, & three for Him who made us all.

Traditional British song

Soul Cakes are a cross between a scone, biscuit, and a cookie.  Traditionally, they are given to children on All Souls Day.  Children would go door to door, singing this song.  

Sounds like our "Trick or Treat."  

 

 

Understanding Grows

 Today my "cloistered brothers" were discussing puzzling scripture passages.  We concluded that our understanding grows much like love.

Think about it.  As a child, you loved your parents and friends.  But once you fall in love, as a young adult, that's another dimension.  Then when you have a child, love grows exponentially.  

We figure that understanding grows like love.  When you first read the Bible you have a rudimentary understanding.  As you mature, understanding scripture is different and better since you understand more.

Justice or Mercy or Both

 

This is the centerpiece of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.  It is a mosaic of Christ in Majesty.

The two friends I went to the Rosary Pilgrimage at the Basilica, had an argument over it.  One loved it and thought it depicted Christ in Judgement.  My other friend thought it was a terrible depiction of Jesus because He looked angry.

We searched Google and found out that the mosaic shows both the Justice of Christ and His mercy.  

The mosaic is not only a picture of Christ’s power and might; it also portrays His profound mercy and sacrifice. While one of His eyebrows is raised in judgment, the other is relaxed, revealing his mercy and kindness to His children. Additionally, de Rosen’s design shows Christ on a rainbow throne, a symbol of pardon and reconciliation, harkening to the Lord’s promise to Noah in the Old Testament. His right shoulder is bare to show His wounded side, demonstrating His humanity and the blood of His sacrifice.

 In fact, put your thumb over half of Jesus' face.  One side is softer than the other. You'll see Christ honored throughout the basilica, but this mosaic is the crowning piece.

Better the Second Time Around

 Michael Casey's Sacred Reading/The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina is a "how to do" Lectio Divina.  This is the second time I've read it.  I don't often read books twice, but when I do, I underline in different colored inks.  If you were to look at this book, Sacred Reading, you would see that the pencil underlined sections (as opposed to the first time reading's ink) by far outnumber the first time's read.  

The first time I read the book, I didn't know anything about Lectio Divina, and this book was an introduction.  I don't remember being impressed with the book or learning anything.  I must have though because I persisted in trying Lectio Divina.

Since then, I taught Lectio Divina to a parish's adult faith formation.  I essentially showed videos explaining the steps. Then along came the Order of Preacher's 800th anniversary and I contributed to their Lectio Divina Project. We participants were taught the usual steps: Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, and Contemplatio, with one more step that was very Dominican--Studium.  I loved this step.  Studium explained many questions.  Finally, somewhere along the way, I was taught to add a final step--Resolutio.  This made sense.  What could is praying if it doesn't change you?  Lectio Divina is praying while reading.

The author, Michael Casey recommends reading the scriptures and church fathers.  This makes more sense than sitting in a lotus position and humming.  We should get as close as we can to praying as Jesus taught his disciples.  Casey lists books to read, as well as his personal reading lists.  Plus, his notes are just as interesting as the book, itself.

I'm glad I re-read this book.  It has helped me tremendously.  I do recommend it.

  

Fray Luis De Cáncer - Protomartyr

 Father Luis de Cancer is a martyr.  He was beaten to death trying to evangelize Florida in 1549.  The Spanish Conquistadors had raped and razed the land so badly that the natives were murderously hostile.  

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Servants of God Antonio Cuipa and companions
Roberto, one of the martyrs of La Florida
Died	Spanish Florida
Venerated in	Catholic Church
Feast	October 3

The Martyrs of La Florida (d. 1549–1706) were a group of Native American and Spanish Catholics killed in Florida during the Spanish Empire's colonial expansion into North America. The group of 86 individuals includes a number of priests and laypeople, killed by Native Americans and subjects of the British Empire.^[1] The lead martyr of the cause is the Native American layman Antonio Cuipa. Fr Luis Cáncer, OP is among the others killed, alongside a number of Dominicans, Jesuits, Franciscans, and various laypeople.^[2][1][3]

Their cause for canonization was opened in 2015 by Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of Pensacola–Tallahassee, along with support from bishop representatives in the dioceses of St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Palm Beach and Venice. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has also endorsed the cause.^[4]

  A Protomartyr is the first to be martyred.  Like St. Thecla is the first woman to be martyred and St. Stephen is the first male.  St. Peter of Verona is the first Dominican to be martyred.  Here's a list from Wikipedia.

What's Wrong with the Golden Rule?

 Supposedly, every religion has the golden rule.  The golden rule says to treat others as you would want to be treated.  Mark 12: 31-34 and Luke 6:31. The problem is, many people don't want to be treated like you want to be treated.  For example, when my husband was undergoing heart valve surgery, I requested prayers for him.  I know that I would want all the prayers I could get.  Not him, he was mortified.  He said, "It's none of anyone's business!"

So, the Golden Rule isn't absolute.  

Another way that Jesus summed up our duty as Christians is in Mark 12:30-31 where He says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

But who is your neighbor?  My culture says everyone, but others think their neighbor is people in their tribe, only.  How else would you explain the hutus and tutsis?  Or Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland? The wars the Native Indigenous People had with each other?

In conclusion, the Golden Rule just doesn't fit all cultures.  One rule doesn't apply to everyone.  

Love Is Spanking

 Love or the spank
Falls on shy and bold
I draw a blank
And choose control

For this child is contrite
No need for wrath
The hand will be light
I take the gentle path

The other bold stump
Defiant and proud
Gets a heavy pound
May his head be bowed

Discipline can't apply
Same to all children
Some regret and cry
Others defy again and again

What can be correct?
Love can be a spank
Is there any affect?
Love can be a spank

Spanking and Parenting

Did your parents ever spank you?  My parents used to brag that they didn’t believe in hitting children.  But there was one incident where my mother did whack me, and I have never forgotten it.  She was calling me to come home for supper.  I was outside playing with neighborhood friends.  I was involved and focused and didn’t hear her.  I guess she had been calling me, for quite a while. When I finally heard her, I ran home.  As I got close to her, she grabbed my arm and whacked me on my but and said “I have been calling and calling you.”

I’m pretty sure, I didn’t say anything in my defense.  I remember being shocked.  The spank didn’t hurt; it was the shock that my mother hit me.  And whenever my parents would brag that they never hit their kids, I didn’t say anything. I was still feeling the aftereffects of displeasing and disappointing my mother.  I didn’t want to remind her of that incident.

That’s how my parents disciplined us.  They would tell us how disappointed they were in our behavior.  Those words, the look on their faces would stab me in the heart. They expected better of us and never wanting to shame them kept me on the straight and narrow.

As a parent, myself, I never hit my children.  But each child was different. I had one who telling him I was disappointed in his behavior would have rolled right off him.  He also didn’t get “looks,” nor warnings.  I had to have a long talk with him and punish him by depriving him of a game or television show.  Another child, would cry if I corrected her. Teachers would tell me that she would become crestfallen if they just showed her how to hold her pencil differently.

How did people, years ago, discipline children, when they are all so different and respond to different disciplines?  How did your parents correct your behavior?  What kind of parent were you?

Painful Regret

 This story is related by a Lay Dominican.  When she was young and dumb she had an abortion.  It didn't sit right with her, but life went on and she tried to get over it.  Eventually, she married a Catholic man who was very devotional.  By that I mean that he prayed the Rosary, went to daily Mass... you know the type. 

He also committed himself to do regular hours of Adoration.  This means he is   worshipping the Eucharist outside of the Mass. The Eucharistic Host is displayed in a monstrance on the altar so that all can see and pray in the presence of Christ.

He committed himself to going the same time, the same day, every week.  She didn't.  She is Catholic, but going to Mass on Sunday was essentially all. But one day, he couldn't make his commitment and he asked his wife.  This was fine and she went.

She knew she couldn't pray the whole hour, so she brought a magazine with her to read--at least it was a religious magazine. So, there she was sitting with Jesus in the Monstrance, snapping her gum.  Even though, there was no one in the chapel with them, she suddenly felt disrespectful chewing gum instead of praying.  She took it out and started reciting some prayers.  

I then witnessed a ring from the perimeter of the Eucharistic Host.  It started to glow.  I think it was beating, too.  Suddenly, a baby's face appeared.  Instinctively, I thought of my aborted baby.  I prayed.  I told God that I  was so sorry, so sorry.  The baby's face seemed to be crying.  I didn't know what to do next.  I questioned what I was seeing.  I walked around a bit and the face was still there. When another adorer came in, I watched her reaction.  She acted like she didn't see anything strange in the Host.  I left, shaken.
     In the car, I asked God, "What do You want me to do?"  As clear as if I am here sharing the story with you I heard, "You never told your baby you were sorry." Of course!  I said I was sorry to my baby.  I have never regretted anything so much.
     Next week, I told my husband I would do his Adoration for him.  To my surprise--same scenario--the ring around the Host and the materialization of my baby's face--but smiling back at me.  I was blessed.  I have been an Adorer, myself, ever since.

This story touched me.  I'm not an Adorer, myself, but when the next opportunity arises, I will go.

Women in the Ming Dynasty

 Lisa See's novel, Lady Tan's Circle of Women, is historical fiction.  There was a female doctor, Tan Yunxian, who lived during the Ming era (15th century).  Not much is known about her, except that she was a doctor and wrote a book.  To do that in an era when women weren't supposed to be educated is more than remarkable.  

  Yunxian was upper class and taught to read because mothers were required to teach their children to read and write.  Her class of women also bound their feet.  The author had Yunxian's mother die from an infection from improperly bound feet that were not treated for infection properly.  This was not uncommon. The men thought bound feet attractive.  Supposedly, they looked like flowers.

Yunxian also never left her natal home until she married and then she never left her husband's home.  Lisa See has Yunxian leave a few times for story development, but you get the idea.

Women existed to bear sons.  Men existed to sire sons.  Their marriages were arranged and if you were rich you could have more than one wife and also concubines.

Male doctors were not allowed to touch women.  Women doctors took care of women but they were not allowed to deliver babies or do anything gynecological.  There were midwives who touch the bloody parts and delivered babies.  The women and male doctors looked down on the midwives because they did dirty work, working with blood.

Yunxian's grandmother was a wise doctor.  Her skill was passed down in her family, mother to daughter. Yunxian's grandfather was also a doctor, but he was educated by school and tutors.  They complemented and learned from each other, and Yunxian benefitted from both.  Grandmother also encouraged Yunxian to befriend the daughter of a midwife.  They did exactly this and became friends for life.  They also complemented their learning and personalities.

Lisa See did an incredible research job on the history of women in China during this time.  Her research, combined with her writing talent, has created an enjoyable book.

Preach like Paul

 

LECTIO:

1 Thes 1:5c-10

Brothers and sisters:
You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake.
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord,
receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the Holy Spirit,
so that you became a model for all the believers
in Macedonia and in Achaia.
For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth
not only in Macedonia and in Achaia,
but in every place your faith in God has gone forth,
so that we have no need to say anything.
For they themselves openly declare about us
what sort of reception we had among you,
and how you turned to God from idols
to serve the living and true God
and to await his Son from heaven,
whom he raised from the dead,
Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath.

STUDIUM:

Paul is probably referencing the miracles God performed in his ministry around the countryside. He is in Achaia, writing to those who live in the northern regions, Thessalonia.

   Evidently, these people are converts from paganism.  Hence, the reference to their pagan idols.  The God of Israel is the living God.  The last sentence mentions the return of Jesus and the wrath to come.  Paul thought Jesus was coming back soon and would punish unbelievers.

MEDITATIO:

I like Paul's salutation, "Brothers and sisters."  Usually, it's just "brothers."  Paul obviously doesn't let his detractors and physical hardships bother him.  He concentrates on the miraculous powers God has bestowed on him.  I wish I could do that.  Paul, also, is among Gentiles.  Today, my world is full of Gentiles.  What would Paul do, today? When I started teaching in 1968-69, there were four boys named "Paul" in my class.  Today, no one has the name Paul.

ORATIO:

Lord, we are closer to the end of times, now, than Paul was.  I need to be prepared and help others, too.  At least my family should be aware.  My witness in my behavior.  My conversations let everyone know Christ is among us--I hope.  Plus, I pray for all.

CONTEMPLATIO:

Lord, help me stay awake and faithful.

RESOLUTIO:

Keep preaching.

A Hint

 My reading this morning was about Martha and Mary with Jesus. (Luke 10: 38-42) This is another Gospel story that annoys me.  Guests should offer to help.  The correct response would have been for Jesus to say, "You are correct Martha, Mary and I will help you.  Afterwards, all three of us will sit down and talk."

But that's beside the point.

The reading about Martha and Mary tells how important it is to be more contemplative.  Later, reading "Cloud of Unknowing, I read, " Think that those striving to be contemplative should not only pardon all who complain about them, but be so occupied with their own work that they do not even notice what is said or done around them."

That sentence is proof that the author of the Cloud of the Unknowing is male.  Men don't listen--especially when it concerns helping around the house. 

Hostage Exchange

 

This is the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa, offering to take the place of Hamas' hostages.  This morning I was reading a letter St. Ignatius of Antioch wrote around 100 AD.  This hostage exchange was in my mind as I read Ignatius telling the early Christians not to rescue him, but rather pray for him.

I am writing to all the churches to let it be known that I will gladly die for God if only you do not stand in my way.  I plead with you: show me me no untimely kindness.  Let me be food for the wild beasts, for they are my way to God....  

My Strength

 LECTIO: Psalm 18

1(To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said,) I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.

2The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

3I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

4The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.

5The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.

6In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.

7Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.

8There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.

9He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.

10And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.

11He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.

12At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.

13The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.

14Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.

15Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.

16He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.

17He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.

18They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.

19He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

20The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

21For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

22For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.

23I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.

24Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.

25With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;

26With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.

27For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.

28For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.

29For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.

30As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

31For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?

32It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

33He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.

34He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

35Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

36Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

37I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.

38I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.

39For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.

40Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.

41They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.

42Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.

43Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.

44As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.

45The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.

46The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

47It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.

48He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

49Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

50Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

STUDIUM: MEDITATIO:

These verses are the same as 2Samuel 22.  David composed this psalm in thanksgiving for being delivered.  If anyone knew what it was like to lose everything, David did.  He lost his family, his sheep, his connection not only with his family but with the covenant people, he lost comfort, and he was on the run. Yet, God delivered David from all that and anointed him king.  

MEDITATIO:

Whatever David was going through, he stayed steadfast in his faith to God.  David said God was his rock and this was before he became king.  

ORATIO:

Lord, I need David's faith.  I want to be steadfast in my trust in the Lord.  I want to surrender myself and only trust in God.  Help me Lord.

CONTEMPLATIO:

I love You, Lord, my strength.

RESOLUTIO:

I will pray a Novena to trust in the Lord.