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.

Kids!

What is the matter with kids?  Are parents forever doomed to never understanding them?  I just finished reading Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout.  The storyline revolves around Olive.  Some of the characters in the story have Olive playing a minor role.  But she's the force behind them.

And a force she is!  She physically is big.  Her personality is big. She dominates.  She and her husband both had dreams that never came to fruition, especially concerning their son.  Their son was cowed by his mother and resents it.  He just can't get along with her and now that he's an adult, he tells her off.

It's odd, isn't it; how some parents can't get along with their children.  I remember thinking that myself.  Where did this kid come from?  Why is she afraid of this?  How can she not like that?  What's the matter with her?  She reminds me of my mother.  I couldn't relate to my mother and now I can't relate to my daughter/son.

That's what Olive Kitteridge is about.

Where Did the Nicene Creed Come From?

Where Did the Nicene Creed Cf-ae From? | What is the Origin of the Nicene Creed? - Beliefnet  This is a link to Beliefnet. It's an internet multi-faith new source. This article will give you the background to the Nicene Creed.

The Set-Up

This morning's homilist gave a different take on the woman in Luke 7: 36-50.  This is the story where the woman comes into Simon's house and weeps and weeps, washing Jesus' feet and drying them with her hair.

Where did she come from?
Simon seemed to know her.
Did Simon invite her, hoping to tempt Jesus?
Since Simon didn't offer the usual niceties that a host gives to a guest, then this dinner was a setup.

Simon invited Jesus and the woman, thinking the woman would try to entice Jesus.  Instead, Simon was given a lesson in etiquette and religion.  Simon's response isn't given.

P. C.

The funniest thing that happened at tonight's meeting was how the initials, "P." "C." had a different conceptual image in each group's minds."

To the Dominican friars, "P." "C." meant Providence College.

To the Lay Dominicans, "P." "C." meant Provincial Council.

To my "cloistered brothers," "P." "C." meant "protected custody."

Word War, World War

Word War, World War: To capitulate on pronouns is not an act of charity. It is rather the total surrender of the world, in a word.

What this article in Public Discourse is talking about is how words change the meaning of ideas, little by little.  "A slippery slope, if you will.  So it's not acceptable to kill a child but it is acceptable to eliminate a fetus.  Please click on the link to learn more.  Article written by Alan McLaughlin.

A Never-ending Meditation

I can't stop meditating on this poem by Christina Rossetti.  It's the end of summer.  It's the end of life.  It's the end.

                   Summer is Ended

To think that this meaningless thing was ever a rose,
Scentless, colourless, this!
Will it ever be thus (who knows?)
Thus with our bless,
If we wait till the close?

Though we care not to wait for the end, there comes the end
Sooner, later, at last,
Which nothing can mar, nothing mend:
An end locked fast,
Bent we cannot re-bend.