RadTrads

In the Catholic faith, a derogatory word for "radical traditionalist." This generally involves the following things: 

1) Rejection of Vatican II
2) Rejection of the non-Latin mass
3) Rejection of the authority of the current bishops and pope

 One of the common arguments used in almost every discussion about the things we do as Catholics is, “That is the way it was done in the early Church.” The argument is meant to convey that things were better in the early Church, more holy, and closer to God. The problem with that argument is that we have very short memories. To some five hundred years ago was the early Church. In a Church that is two thousand years old what is considered early?

On September 11, 2001 nineteen terrorists enacted the greatest act of evil against homeland America. That, of course, was the bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. using hijacked commercial jet aircraft. Of these people, who knows more about the events that happened that day –

1: A person who was present in the towers and escaped the tragedy.

2: One of the many first responders who worked so valiantly to save lives.

3: Someone watching the events unfold from the window of their apartment nearby.

4: Anyone reading this blog entry today.

 It is obvious that we know more about the events of September 11^th today than anyone who was present when it happened. Time and distance have given us that ability. The same is true for our Church today. When an artist creates a masterpiece, whether it be a painting, a sculpture, or some other piece of art, they do not begin with the finished product and work backwards. They begin with a thought and the raw materials. They begin with an empty canvas, piece of marble, or slab of clay. Then they work forward, one small step at a time, until the visions in their minds become a reality before our eyes.

One of Michelangelo’s greatest creations is the Statue of David that he carved out of a solid block of marble over seventeen feet tall. When asked how he could create such a masterpiece he said, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”

The same is true about God’s masterpiece of the Church. It was not complete when Christ went back to the Father on Pentecost. In fact, the Church was barely more than a blank canvas on that day. God has been perfecting his masterpiece ever since. This will not be complete until Jesus returns to usher in the new age.

Those who wish to return to the ways things were only wish to do so in part. No one, not even the most staunch radical traditionalist, wishes to return completely to the way the early Church was. They are very much like “cafeteria Catholics” in the way they pick and choose the parts of the early Church they wish to go back to. I will offer just one example of this.

In the early Church you could go to confession only once in your life. Your sins were forgiven when you were baptized and then you got only one other opportunity to receive the healing sacrament of reconciliation. This led people, like the emperor Constantine, to wait to receive either of these Sacraments on their death beds. For some waiting meant missing the opportunity to receive the Sacraments and they died in a state of mortal sin.

In the early Church confession was not made in secret to a priest. Confession was public. You stood in front of the entire congregation and confessed your sins. Absolution came from the priest but brought severe penance with it. You were thrown out of your parish for a period sometimes lasting for years. You had to don sackcloth and ashes and sit at the steps of the Church to beg for forgiveness. Readmission to the Church was a slow and gradual process. What did this lead to? Did people leave the Church in droves over it? No, they didn’t but there were many sins that weren’t reconciled until the final moments of someone’s life.

No one I have ever talked to has expressed the desire to return to the ways of this early Church. If the argument that the early Church was more holy and closer to God shouldn’t we want to return to this form of confession as well?

God is still perfecting his masterpiece. He is doing so in the way he started to in the very creation of the Church. Jesus chose twelve men to be the leaders of his Church. He chose one to be head of the others. These were the original bishops and pope. To them he gave his authority over the entire Church. These men ordained additional men to assist them in this task. Then they ordained replacements as their days grew to an end. This is our Magisterium. God will continue to perfect his Church through them.

Each and every single member of the Mastierium throughout all time has been broken and sinful men. The perfection of the Church does not ride on them. The perfection of the Church comes through Christ alone through these men. We have Jesus’ promises that even the gates of Hell would not conquer the Church and that he will be with us always until the end of time. Broken men at the helm cannot destroy the Church. Some will say that they have tried to do so for two thousand years and yet the Church remains.

Trust in Jesus to be faithful to his promise. Fear not the direction the Church appears to be going in. Christ is still very much in charge. Treasure and enjoy this masterpiece that he is creating for all of us.

Women Deacons

There has been much debate, speculation, and downright argument among the faithful about the possibility of women being ordained deacons in the Catholic Church since Pope Francis took up that question back in 2016. Both hope and fear are through the roof as we wait for the definitive answer from our Holy Father.

I have read many articles, commentaries, and opinions on this matter. As with most things in this day and age the feelings are strong and all over the board. I, too, have found myself with strong feelings on this matter. And then I noticed the question that no one has bothered to ask and that changed the way I will respond to this subject.

What does God want for his Church?

In the arguing back and forth I have yet to see either side ask what God wants for his Church.

So how can we possibly know what God wants in this matter? For me that is simple.

Jesus selected twelve men whom he set apart to be the leaders of the Church he himself established. He gave to these men all of his power and authority to act in his name and to lead his Church on earth. Those men ordained other men to assist and eventually replace them in their work. These men became the first bishops and formed the Magisterium. They are the only ones who have been given the authority to speak for Jesus.

We believe as Catholics that the Pope speaks infallibly, that is without error, when speaking on matters of faith and morals, from the chair of Peter, when in unison with the Magisterium. How will we know what God’s will is on the matter of ordaining women to the Permanent Diaconate? We will be given the answer by the Pope only after a long and prayerful deliberation with his Magisterium.

When that answer comes it is a guarantee that one side or the other, or even both sides, will not be very accepting of the answer given. I am positive that we will see every kind of low and despicable behavior come forth from those who believe that the Pope got it wrong.

Each Mass we pray in unison the Lord’s Prayer. We pray it twice a day when we pray the Liturgy of the Hours or Christian Prayer. There is one petition in that prayer many of us, including myself, seem to say without thought.

“Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

God communicates his will through those he has chosen and given his authority to. For the Roman Catholic Church and those in union with her that would be the Pope and the Magisterium. My opinion on this or any matter of faith and morals simply does not matter. I am welcome to have an opinion and to question, to seek understanding, but when that opinion differs from that of the Church it is wrong. When we hold an opinion contrary to the official teaching of the Church we don’t disagree with the Church or the Pope or the bishops. We disagree with Christ himself.

If the Pope were to announce that women are to be ordained Permanent Deacons I will be among the first to welcome them with open arms and be grateful for the service they give to God’s people. The world sure could use more people with a servant’s heart.

At the beginning of creation God made known his plan of salvation and redemption of the human kind to the angels by becoming human himself. This drove a multitude of the heavenly host to rebel against God for they felt slighted God so loved man. How many will turn their backs on their vocations if he calls women to the diaconate? How many will turn their backs on the Church if he doesn’t?

Stand or Kneel - A Second Thought

The Pharisee and the Publican

      “And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ “But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ “I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 18: 9 – 14

Hold hands, raise hands, fold hands for the “Our Father”. Sit, stand, or kneel to receive the Eucharist. Receive in the hand or on the tongue. Traditional Latin Mass or Novus Ordo. These are just some of the arguments we Catholics are having with each other these days. The discussions are always passionate, usually heated, and many times end in uncharitable behavior by all involved. This is hardly the unity Christ prays for, for his Church. The divide is widening, all in the name of reverence.

Christ is about unity, not division. If there is something dividing the Church, even perceived reverence, it is not of Christ. It is of the devil. Yes, the devil uses normally holy things, like scripture and reverence, as tools to get us to sin. Any evil thing can be justified by a verse in scripture if scripture is improperly used. Perceived reverence is also sinful if it causes scandal, division, or malice of any kind. True reverence raises one’s heart to God. False reverence is calling on the Church to do as you do because of how you personally feel.

“The prideful one was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: those receiving in the hand, standing, at a Novus Ordo Mass.”

We learn in the Screwtape Letters that our posture makes a difference in the way that we worship.

“At the very least, they can be persuaded that the bodily position makes no difference to their prayers; for they constantly forget, what you must always remember, that they are animals and that whatever their bodies do affects their souls.”

The Screwtape Letters, Chapter 4

Knowing this the Church has a general instruction on the proper postures we are to use when we come together in unity to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is never a “Jesus and me” moment. It is always a “Jesus in unity with his bride, the Church, throughout all of eternity” moment. We show this eternal unity in our postures, our actions, and our words. The Mass is celebrated throughout all time in every language on the planet combining language from the Church from its very conception. We offer this Mass as one unified body all at once. It is not a time to stand alone.

So, is there a correct posture we should be using when we celebrate Mass? The answer to that is absolutely, positively, and unequivocally yes. It also does not involve our hands, our tongues, or our knees. In fact, the only part of our bodies that really matters is our hearts. If our hearts are in the wrong posture then it does not matter what position we place our bodies in.

The old Baltimore Catechism defined prayer as:

“Prayer is the lifting up of our minds and hearts to God, to adore Him, to thank Him for His benefits, to ask His forgiveness, and to beg of Him all the graces we need whether for soul or body.”

That is about as good a definition of prayer as one can find. True reverence raises one’s heart to God. It is never prideful. It is never boastful. Nor does it demand others do likewise. It does not make claim to be better simply because of outward appearance.

Who does God love more; the man who receives Him in his hand while standing or the man who receives the Lord on the tongue on his knees? Those who argue about this question ad nauseam fail to realize that with God there is no competition. He loves us all perfectly. The greater question is which one loves God more? That is a question that cannot be answered by simply looking at outward appearance only and God alone is the only one who knows our hearts.

True reverence begins in the heart and then radiates outward. If you want to show reverence in your worship do as your bishop instructs. He has been given the authority of Jesus to lead His Church. If you do not know what the proper posture is ask your pastor. If, on the other hand, you have been called by Christ to a more reverent posture cherish the gift of love you have been given. It is yours. It has not been given to everyone. Don’t expect everyone to share in this gift.

This is the reason why the Church has a general instruction on posture and not a definitive instruction on it. The Church recognizes that Christ calls some of us into a deeper union with him and she would never deny anyone of this gift by demanding they conform to a single posture or liturgy.

God has given us many treasures. Instead of arguing which is better or more reverent we should be concentrating on those things that help us elevate our hearts closer to God.

A Star Shining Bright

“After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”

Matthew 2: 9-10

The wise men were led to Jesus through the light of a star. They found Light of the world, God made flesh, asleep in a manger. Light led man to Light. After his birth the star disappeared from sight but it did not cease to exist.

When we receive the Holy Eucharist we bring Jesus, body, blood, soul, and divinity into our bodies. Jesus lives and dwells within us. This is the most intimate union we can have with the Lord on this side of heaven.

Our hearts becomes the manager that receives the infant Christ. Our hearts becomes the throne from which he rules the earth. Our bodies become the star that leads people to know and love him, the creator of all existence.

The night sky is filled with countless stars. So numerous are the stars in heaven that we go about our lives barely paying them a passing glance. It took a special star to draw people to the birthplace of Jesus. Does the way you live your life draw people towards Jesus or does it go by barely getting a passing glance? If you have received our Lord you hold all of creation and its creator within yourself. You hold the power to burn as brightly as a billion suns.

Through our baptism we have become adopted sons and daughters of the Father. The Son has become our brother. When we receive him in the Eucharist we become one with him. This love is not meant to be withheld but shared with all. We are meant to become the stars that lead wise men to Jesus.

When a wise man points at the moon the fool stares at the finger. When people look upon the way you live your life do they see a finger or do they gaze upon the Light of heaven? It is truly within you but if others cannot see it, it is because you have chosen to conceal it from them. The Light from heaven is the source of all of our joy and a font of never ending love. Do not hide it from others but let it burst forth from you for all to see.  Be a star that leads people to Jesus.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

Offended?

A mother and a daughter had a fight about something at the family Christmas gathering one year. Both were deeply hurt by the other and both vowed never to speak to each other again. As the years passed the reason for the fight faded but the hurt caused by it never did. Other family members tried to get the two to reconcile but both were too suborn to relent.

One day, out of the blue, the daughter got a phone call. Through tears her sister delivered the message that their mother had passed. For the moment the daughter felt a twinge of sadness but that was quickly replaced as the flames of hatred flared. The daughter refused to go to the funeral and avoided any contact with her family as they laid their mother to rest.

As the mother approached the gates of heaven she was met by Saint Peter.

“Welcome Martha,” Saint Peter said. “Unfortunately, I cannot let you in at this time.”

“What? Why not?” she asked worriedly.

“Only perfect love can enter into these gates,” he replied.

“But I love Jesus,” she exclaimed.

“You do but there is another that you have spite for in your heart.”

The mother thought for a moment. “You mean my daughter?” she asked with surprise.

“Yes,” he said. “That spite in your heart is a poison and you are not allowed in heaven with poison in your heart.”

“What can I do about that now? I am dead,” she said as she began to sob.

“All you can do is wait.”

“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” – Matthew 5: 21-24

Heaven is a place of perfect, sacrificial love. Nothing short of this perfect love is permitted in heaven. Even the angels who have lost this love were cast out of heaven. When we die the soul is separated from the body and heads to either heaven or hell based upon the particular judgment. If there is love for Jesus in your heart you are destined for heaven and if no love for Jesus can be found a fiery abyss awaits you.

So, you love Jesus. You have made an altar call and have recited the Sinner’s Prayer. Many cradle Catholics have no idea what that sentence means and many converts are shaking their heads in acknowledgement.  You are all set. You are in like flint. When you approach the gates of heaven, however, you find them locked. What gives?

Quite simply, heaven is a place of perfect, sacrificial love. We don’t get to enter heaven the person we are on earth. None of us, no matter how good or holy we are, have that perfect love for everyone. This creates a dilemma for the non-Catholic Christian who only believes in heaven and hell. Does God just snap his fingers in a Thanos like fashion and make a person love perfectly? That would certainly go against free will. If he would do that at the moment of our death he certainly could do that during our time on earth. Oh what a beautiful place this could be if he did that for everyone. It would almost be like….heaven.

The problem is that love cannot be forced. It can only be accepted by free choice. So, for love to exist there has to be something other than love to choose from. These are all of the things we choose before we choose God. These are all of the things that separate us from God and each other. These other things are what control our lives. These are the things that become the true gods of our lives.

Catholicism teaches us about another place. This is a place where you go when you are destined for heaven but do not have the perfect love in your heart required to enter through the gates. This place is called purgatory. It is the place where the fire of God’s love purges away all that is not perfect within us. It is the place where we freely let go of the other gods that control our life. It is the place where we are made perfect so we can be in the presence of perfection itself.

One of the things that we have to let go of before entering heaven are our grudges against other people. You cannot have perfect love for someone if you are holding something against them. If grudges keep us out of heaven when we die it is to our own best interest to purge ourselves of them while we are still here on earth. This is why we are told to reconcile with our brother. Forgiveness becomes our greatest tool and strongest liberator. Hate is a poison that shackles us in slavery. Forgiveness is the key that unlocks our fetters.

If grudges are such a bad thing it is better to not let them develop to begin with. We live at a time where everyone seems to be offended by everything everyone else says or does. Taking offence to something is the first step to creating a grudge. If you do not allow yourself to be offended it becomes much harder to hold contempt for someone in your heart. Practice sacrificial love instead. Sacrificial love is willing the best for a person without any expectation of something in return. Think of Christ on the cross praying for those who were pounding the nails through his hands. Think of Saint Stephen praying for those who were hurling stones at his head.

When someone says something untruthfully terrible about you don’t be angered by it. Pray for them instead. When someone back stabs you, throws you under the bus, steals, lies, or does any sort of evil thing against you, forgive them. Pray for them. Love them.

The more we imitate the love of Christ, even imperfectly, in this world the easier he will be able to perfect that in us in the next.

Make 2019 the year where you fill your heart with love and make it impossible for anyone to offend you.