Both and And

 Catholics by Brian More could be read in one sitting.  It's a short book and the story is simple.  Some monks on an island off the coast of Ireland are the only people holding on to Latin and pre-Vatican II liturgy. It is set in the future--after a Vatican IV.

Father Kinsala is sent to put a stop to the old Mass and Latin. You would think that the monks would put up a fight to keep the old ways that they love.  You would be wrong.

The monks are obedient.  Father Abbot has lost his faith. He feels he is just a manager of a corporation and Corporate has told him to change direction.  He does.  He makes the other monks obey him.

What rubbed me the wrong way was that I always thought Catholics were "both and people."  Both liturgical rites would be accommodated along with Latin. Not in this book.

The Sign of the Cross

Signs tell you a lot.  They give names and directions.  I'm not talking about virtual signs but also those that use body language. 

Hitchhikers stick their thumbs out signifying they want a ride.  There is a certain sign that is extremely rude and crude, people use to show extreme displeasure.  There's a thumb up sign that tell people that everything is OK. 

And then there's the "Sign of the Cross." The sign of the cross is made by touching the hand sequentially to the forehead, lower chest or stomach, and both shoulders, accompanied by the Trinitarian formula: at the forehead In the name of the Father (or In Nomine Patris in Latin); at the stomach or heart and of the Son (et Filii); across the shoulders and of the Holy Spirit.  Wikipedia

As soon as someone sees you doing that particular sign, they know you are Roman Catholic.  Catholics use the sign of the cross in both the Mass and private praying. Early Christians started this tradition as a source of divine power and protection.  The sign is an actual prayer invoking God's presence to bless us and keep us from harm.

Just think what that cross means!  Jesus overcame death on a cross.  Jesus destroyed sin. Satan was overthrown.

Don't take this gesture for granted.

Don't Step on my Tradition

Same ezine, two references, but their views are different.  I'm talking about Aleteia.  Today is the Memorial of the Presentation of Mary.  I pay attention to this feast because for four years I went to  a high school which was named Presentation of Mary Academy -- PMA.

This is the day Catholics celebrate Mary's presentation in the temple, dedicating her to God, by her parents.  Because Mary was obedient, many religious people make their vows and promises on this day.  It is called Pro Orantibus Day.

Then in the same ezine, is an article by Br. Silas Henderson, S.D.S. who makes a big deal that this presentation may never have happened.  Br. Silas claims that only the apostle James mentions it.  This presentation of girls is not found anywhere else.  Only James tells the story of Anne and Joachim presenting Mary in the temple in a text known as the Protoevangelium.  But I always understood the Protoevangelium to be called the First Gospel, meaning Genesis 3:15.  There the story of creation and the fall begin the events leading up to the birth of Christ.  

Since the early Christians, this memorial has been celebrated.  It is part of Catholic tradition, maybe not Tradition, meaning we must believe, but it is part of our celebratory remembrances that is rich in meaning.  And I don't like Br. Silas belittling something near and dear.  

From Ba-a-a- to Yoke

Msgr. Moran related the story of the lamb's significance on today, the feast of Saint Agnes.  St. Agnes was a young girl in the fourth century who was martyred.  Her name in Latin means lamb, and since Jesus is called the Lamb of God, and since lambs were the animals that were usually sacrificed to honor God, the church uses the lamb in an interesting tradition.

On the feast of St. Agnes, January 21, lambs are brought to be blessed by the pope.  The lambs are then cared for until it's time for them to be sheared.  The wool taken from the lambs is used to make palliums.  Palliums are cloth yokes.  New bishops will take on the yoke of Christ (Matthew 11: 30) on the Feast of Peter and Paul, June 29.

There are five crosses on the pallium, which is white.  The crosses represent the five wounds of Christ.  There is one cross on the back and two on the front.  Crosses are also on each shoulder.

Why is Tradition Important?

The lady across from me, expressed negative thoughts regarding tradition.  We were playing cribbage.  Someone said the person on the dealer's right has to cut the deck.  She asked why.  The answer was tradition.  To which she said, "Tradition isn't good.  It holds us to the past."  I said, "I think the opposite.  "Tradition lays the foundation upon which we can confidently go forward."  I'm not sure what I said made sense, but I've been thinking about tradition, ever since.

What I wish I had said:

Tradition links us to the past:
                           to our parents, grandparents, etc.
                           to events that formed who we are
                           to places that helped shape us
                gives us a common ground with our relatives
                helps us share memories
                compares hopes and dreams of our parents with their parents
                helps us understand our heritage better
                helps us share family memories and love  
                is something to have pride in
                gives us hope in the future built when we view our past
                passes on the love of our families
                brings the family closer together
               
What a wonderful inheritance!