Call to Arms on October 7, 2018

To be more specific: A Call to Arms, Prayer, on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. 

What does Baseball and Stations of the Cross Have in Common?

A man in my class asked me why are the Stations of the Cross counterclockwise?

A search in google told me that no one knows. And the location doesn’t have to be counter clockwise.   In fact, one responder said his church had both positions—the downstairs chapel’s stations were clockwise and the upstairs church’s counterclockwise!

Since there is no definitive answer I can give you my theory. The Stations of the Cross are clockwise to the priest.  Think of a baseball field. The bases are

clockwise to the fans in the stands.  But to batter, the bases are counter clockwise.

What do you think?  

Appeals court hears oral arguments in archdiocese's suit over Advent ad

Appeals court hears oral arguments in archdiocese's suit over Advent ad: WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit heard oral arguments March 26 in the Archdiocese of Washington's suit against the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit.  Click on the link and you please tell me what is offense in the ad.

Teacher's Evaluation

Much to my surprise, my baby Catholics want me to demand more from them.  I'm talking about the people who came into the Church during the Easter Vigil.  We had a meeting today to celebrate their new status and also to critique my RCIA class.

They want homework.  I never gave any because everybody is too busy.  Taking that into account, they suggested that the homework not be mandatory but suggested.  So I'll try it and see if they do it.

The next suggestion was interesting.  Instead of one topic a class, to have many topics each class and repeat them for the rest of the year.  For example, instead of a class on the Mass, a class on Jesus, a class on the sacraments, a class on prayer, a class on the Bible, a class on the Catechism, do them all in each and every class.  That comes out to 20 minutes on each of those topics which would take up the class' two hours.  In that way when a catechumen misses a class, he won't miss the entire topic. 

I also should keep attendance to the point of who wasn't there to learn the topics on that day and give them make-up materials.  I also have to stay on topic and keep the catechumens on topic.  Venting to a certain extent is permitted but must be brought back to topic. 

IOW, I was too easy on them.  They want homework.  They want to keep to the subjects and not go off on tangents.  They want attendance taken and to be made accountable.

Lord, help me.

Christian Community

Lectio:     

ACTS 4:32-35

The community of believers was of one heart and mind,
and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,
but they had everything in common.
With great power the apostles bore witness
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
and great favor was accorded them all.
There was no needy person among them,
for those who owned property or houses would sell them,
bring the proceeds of the sale,
and put them at the feet of the apostles,
and they were distributed to each according to need.

Studium:

This reading is the ideal Christian community.  God's presence is felt within the community and the citizens therefore feel compelled to love and share their possessions.  At this time in history, the ideal was Hellenic friendship, which would be to love your friend and give to him what was yours.
    The reading also shows that without leaders, like Paul, the community grew because they were of one heart and mind.  Paul and the other leaders were warned not to preach of the Resurrected Christ.  Even so, the communal life and the teachings of the Apostles spread.

Meditatio:

This depiction of a community has proven to be unrealistic.  It didn't even last in Luke and Paul's time.  Communism and socialism have tried communal living.  Jewish kibbutz and hippie communes never lasted.  Human beings are too sinful.  Only in religious orders have community persevered.  That is because God's presence is at the forefront of the religious' life.  You can't do anything well without God.

Oratio:

Lord, please give me the grace to always put You, first.  I want to revolve around You.  I want You to be my center.  

Contemplatio:

You and only You, Lord.

A New Reality

Easter should be the beginning of a new reality, don't you think?  I'm treating it as such.  Just as Jesus is as real today as He was for the apostles and disciples, so I am entering into a new way of living.  I mean when you understand what the Easter Triduum is all about, how can you stay the same?  How can life continue on, as if the Resurrection never happened? 

I don't think I will ever worry anymore.  At least, I shouldn't if I trust in Jesus.  I feel peace in my powerlessness.  Doesn't Paul say, "It is when I am weak that I am strong."?

For the rest of my life, I will walk with God and His people.  Through His grace, all will be.

Cliff Dwellers

Both my parents were the children of immigrants.  They worked in the mills of Lawrence, MA.  When I was young, my dad brought home a chapbook of poetry, written by a fellow worker, Henry Boulanger.  I came across the book today and the very first poem brought back, oh so many memories.

Cliff Dwellers by Henry Boulanger

The block was long, dark and ugly.
In it existed many a family.
It was not low, but many stories high.
You could see full clothes lines as you went by.
Each person has his little corner to exist in
There you'll find some has-been.
They are of all Nationalities, in an alley behind
                                a street called Main.