Justice for all?

     What a busy summer this has been so far! Lots of visiting with old friends and getting settled in back home for the next three months. Yesterday, however, the big news locally was the acquittal of Dr. James Corasanti, who ran over an 18 year old girl on a skateboard last July. Corasanti never stopped, claiming in court he had not known he had hit a person on his drive home that evening, despite the fact that two woman rushed out of their houses hundreds of feet away at the sound of the impact and the collision formed a buckle in the hood of his car that rose up 8 inches. He refused a breathalyzer test two hours after the incident, and a blood test taken five hours later still pegged his alcohol level as over the legal limit.

     Perhaps the most disturbing part of the case was the fact that this is a man who is expected, as a Medical Doctor, to help people. Yet, upon inspecting the vehicle in his garage and seeing the damage and the blood and body tissue from the incident, his first call was not to 911 but rather to his attorney. Despite what seemed to be a fairly strong case against Corasanti, the jury acquitted him after 13 hours of deliberations of all felony charges and convicted him only of a misdemeanor DWI. Even the seemingly apparent charge of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, resulting in death, which could have carried a sentence of 2 1/2 to 7 years in prison, was not proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

     The overwhelming opinion of the community in regards to this verdict seems to be there was a miscarriage of justice yesterday. Cases such as this can remind us all that human justice is imperfect because it is determined by imperfect humans. Many people openly ridicule the difficult job 12 men and women did in deciding this case, yet I would guess a large number of the disgruntled either have or would do everything in their power to attempt to get out of jury duty. It is an awfully difficult task to try to determine whether someone is guilty or innocent, and many people feel unable or are unwilling to commit the time or mental anguish to perform this necessary public service. Let us be thankful God is more steadfast in his pursuit of justice than we.

     I pray that the family of the victim is comforted with the knowledge that there are higher courts than the one that ruled "not guilty" yesterday. First, there is the court of conscience. If Dr. Corasanti kept driving that night despite knowing there was even a chance he had struck another human being, then that is knowledge he will have to live with the rest of his life. Above all, the judgement that God will render on each one of us at the end of our lives is perfectly just and unerring. The Lord's verdict cannot be swayed by money or prestige. On the last day, we shall all be held accountable for our failures and missteps.

Veni, Sancte Spiritus

     Today, Pentecost Sunday, marks the coming of the Holy Spirit, which is the life force of the Church. Just as a light cannot operate without electricity or an iPhone without a battery, the Church would not function without the Holy Spirit to guide it.

     I think one of the toughest mysteries for a Christian to grapple with is why Jesus, risen and victorious over death, had to physically depart His followers once again to ascend to God in Heaven. Perhaps the best explanation for this that I have read comes from Saint Cyril of Alexandria. He wrote:

After Christ had completed his mission on earth, it still remained necessary for us to become sharers in the divine nature of the Word. We had to give up our own life and be so transformed that we would begin to live an entirely new kind of life that would be pleasing to God. This was something we could do only by sharing in the Holy Spirit.
It was most fitting that the sending of the Spirit and his descent upon us should take place after the departure of Christ our Savior. As long as Christ was with them in the flesh, it must have seemed to believers that they possessed every blessing in him; but when the time came for him to ascend to his heavenly Father, it was necessary for him to be united through his Spirit to those who worshipped him, and to dwell in our hearts through faith. Only by his own presence within us in this way could he give us confidence to cry out, Abba, Father, make it easy for us to grow in holiness and, through our possession of the all-powerful Spirit, fortify us invincibly against the wiles of the devil and the assaults of men.

     In order to understand the Ascension and Pentecost, we must realize Jesus' goal was never to build an earthly kingdom. At the time of His crucifixion, neither the apostles or the Jews understood this. When Jesus refused to save Himself by coming down off the cross, the apostles felt defeated as they ran away and the Jews felt vindicated as they mocked the Lord. Yet, by the third day it was Christ who had defeated death and mocked Satan, once and for all.

     Our faith hinges on Easter. If we do not believe that Jesus rose from the dead, then Christianity is a farce; a convenient story conjured up by 11 men who had had their leader nailed to a tree and killed. So why should we believe? In the Acts of the Apostles, Gamaliel, a Pharisee, warned the other elders and scribes about persecuting the apostles. He said: I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God! (Acts 5:38-39) Ultimately, many chose not to heed the warning of Gamaliel. All of the apostles but the traitor Judas and John became martyrs in defense of the Early Church. Isn't it likely that, if Christianity was a human "plan or undertaking", these men would have chosen to confess to their lies rather than give up their lives? Their martyrdoms are the best evidence ever for the truth of the resurrection, and they were able to be so steadfast only because they were strengthened by the Holy Spirit.

     Two thousand years later, still nobody has been able to overthrow the Church, though many have tried and many continue to try as you read this. The Church is constituted of imperfect people, sinful in nature and prone to weakness and failure. Yet the Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is able to fashion a Church that clothes the naked, feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless, administers the sacraments, and numberless other acts of charity and grace. The Church will continue to go through trials, perhaps even severe ones, as modern society increasingly deviates from traditional Christian morality and standards. But so long as the Holy Spirit remains in the Church and her members, it shall remain an indefatigable force for the salvation of the world.

Feed, Tend, and Follow

     In today's gospel (Jn 21:15-19), Jesus asks Saint Peter the ultimate question: do you love me? Jesus is not satisfied with Peter's first affirmation, asking for the same pledge of devotion three times- a reparation for Peter's threefold denial of Christ on Holy Thursday.

     It is interesting to compare Peter's words in this passage to before the Lord's Resurrection. Before denying Jesus, Peter was arrogant, raising himself above the other apostles to prove his love. He said though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away. (Mt 26:33) Notice how Peter is prideful in this exchange, attributing his faithfulness to the Lord to his own greatness. This kind of behavior fails to gain favor with the Lord, as He immediately tells Peter that he will not only fall away, but completely deny knowing Him.

     In today's gospel, Jesus tests Peter with the question do you love me more than these? (Jn 21:15) It would have been easy for Peter to take the bait and again speak of his devotion to Christ in relation to the other disciples. This time, however, Peter is not prideful. He speaks from his heart when he replies yes, Lord; you know that I love you. His love for Jesus is so strong now, after having failed and been forgiven,  that it is self-evident.

     We all should have the kind of love for Christ that Peter demonstrates here, as we have all, at some point, denied Jesus and, through no merit of our own, received his pardon for our offense. In my own life, I can think of many times that I have shied away from defending the Church and its teachings. Jesus gives Peter four commands in today's gospel: feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep, and follow me. If we, like Peter, love Jesus with a self-evident love, then we too are called to take care of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Before Jesus' passion, Peter did not understand what it meant to feed and tend Christ's flock. He thought of discipleship as a competition, seeking to prove himself more worthy than others. Now, Peter realizes that his love is best exemplified through leading others towards a better relationship with the Father and Son. The way is not always smooth, but, in Peter and Jesus, we have two great guides for how to become shepherds in our own lives.

Thoughts from an Eight Hour Car Ride

     On Monday, two friends and I made the journey up from the nation's capital back to Buffalo in a car packed with what were the contents of my dorm for the past 9 months. They had come down on Friday for few days of the sightseeing and delicious food that Washington is so uniquely capable of offering.

     Somewhere around the Maryland-Pennsylvania border, the conversation in the vehicle died down and I began to really think about heading back home for an extended period of time- almost exactly three months- until I leave for Costa Rica. I, like many college students, miss home when I'm not there for a couple months. Then, around the third day back in my house, I find myself counting down the days for my departure.

My friend Phil and I after lunch at a
Washington institution: Ben's Chili Bowl

     I've been both looking forward and dreading summer back home for several months now. On the one hand, summer provides an opportunity to see my old friends on a more frequent basis and get away from the annoyances of college life- especially in such an egotistical and superficial city as D.C. Summer is also a chance to spend more time with my mom and Grandpa in our house we share.

     At the same time, my family relies a great deal on me when I am home. Since neither of them drive, I take them to all their appointments, to do their shopping, and anything else that comes up. This summer is the first for my grandpa without his car, and that loss of personal freedom has taken a toll on him. He's very resentful of the decision the family has made, and that negative energy is released most directly on my mother, who is his primary caregiver. It's difficult to see my mom struggle with the responsibility of caring for the man who cared for her for so many years, especially when it seems nobody, including him, really appreciates just how much she does. All of this familial stress makes it harder for me to control my quick temper as I get worn down. I find myself snapping and being rude at home far more than I ever am in Washington.

     Another problem I have with being home and away from my GW Catholic community is the lack of familiar structure that I have grown used to this year. I still try to make it to daily Mass at my home parish, but I find the service less enjoyable without familiar faces and normal procedures. At today's Mass, the priest celebrated with no alb or chasuble, just a stole over his black shirt!

     Despite my hesitations about this summer, I have great peace and comfort that this is going to be a terrific three months. The fears I have are simply challenges that I need to overcome to become a more loving family member. How honored I ought to be that God has found me capable enough to handle what he puts before me! As the expression goes, the Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God cannot protect you. And while the differences from the Archdiocese in Washington to this diocese will take some re-acclimatimation on my part, I believe it will help me to grow even more in my love for Christ. As annoyed as I was at Mass today, I remembered during the Consecration that no matter what ancillary things are amiss, it is still Jesus offering himself as a sacrifice for my salvation on the altar. And with that knowledge, I shall say like the psalmist David: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom (or what) should I fear? (Ps 27:1)

Thank You!

     It's been one month since I began this blog, and the response to it has been amazing! The twenty blog posts have been read by people in over a dozen countries...the only continent it hasn't touched yet is Africa (and Antarctica- but I hear penguins and polar bears aren't the most open-minded animals).

     The comments and support of family and friends has been most encouraging. It is hard to describe how rewarding it is to get an e-mail or a text from someone I have not heard from in a couple years saying they read one the my posts and it made them think about their own relationship with the Lord. A lot of people have thanked me, but it is not I they should be thanking, for I am just acting as an intermediary. As Saint Paul writes:

For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? Just this: that in my preaching I may make the gospel free of charge, not making full use of my right in the gospel. For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more. (1Cor 9:16-19)

     The topics we've talked about so far have been broad and varied. Some, such as last week's post on marriage have received some criticism and accusations of my character that saddens me. Yet, the negativity pales in comparison to the positive reception the blog has received, and I thank God for that tremendous gift!

     This weekend, I will be moving back to Buffalo, NY for the summer. Expect new posts to begin again next week. Until then, I encourage you all to take a look back through any posts you've missed the past month and comment on any that strike you. Comments are the most concrete way to let me know how the blog is doing, so anything you have to share is appreciated. I also am open to topic suggestions if there is something you really want to se written about. My e-mail is mchenryj@gwmail.gwu.edu. I can't promise I'll use your topic, but I will try my best!

     Until later, God Bless!

Joe

Suffering for a Purpose

     A large amount of people I know right now are going through some difficulty or burden recently. Almost every day for the past two weeks, I've had a couple people ask me to keep their loved ones in my prayers as they struggle through illness, or mourn the death of someone close to them. I'm thankful that this week has been relatively free for me, as that has given me more time to pray for these people.

     As I've been praying, I've also been thinking of the nature of suffering and pain. I'm not the first one to wonder why suffering exists, and I am no closer to uncovering an answer, for the Lord Himself tells us: my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. (Is 55:8) While I cannot know the Lord's motives in this life, it has struck me that suffering and pain affects both non-believers and believers, but its effects are different for each group.

     Non-believers often times lack belief because they find no need for God in their lives. Their logic makes perfect sense from a utilitarian point of view: why would I spend time in praise and make sacrifices of my own pleasure if it is not going to add any value to my life. In other words, the non-believer who lacks faith thinks that his or her life is not broke, so why bother with God to fix it?

     Then disaster strikes these people's lives like a thief in the night. There's a truism that says "there are no atheists in foxholes." I would say that very few non-believers can deny God whenever suffering occurs, whether it is on a battlefield or the waiting area of an emergency room. Suffering and pain draw the non-believer into God's redemptive and protective embrace. It makes he or she realize just how fragile his or her earthly life is, how it is built on the shifting sands if it is not built on the rock that is our Heavenly Father. The pain of grief and despair is not just useful for the salvation of the non-believer, indeed it is essential. For it is only in humbling ourselves and falling to our knees in vulnerability that can we reconcile ourselves to God, or, rather, God can reconcile us to Himself.

     If that is the usefulness of pain and suffering for the non-believer, then what can be gained from the trials of the devout? If disaster for the denier is akin to surgery, then for the Christian it is more analogous to a checkup. We need to be constantly reminded just how weak we are without the Lord. If everything was always wonderful, would our love for God be unconditional, like His is for us, or would it begin to grow conditional on the goodness in our lives? After a while, would we even give thanks to God anymore at all, or might we begin to reason that we've created our own fortunes of our own accord?

     As humans, we are conditioned to see the good as a blessing and the bad as a curse. Is it not true, however, that sometimes the opposite is the case? The bad keeps us humble, while the good makes us prideful. The bad makes us temperate, while the good makes us gluttonous. The bad nurtures our virtues, while the good grows our vices.

     That is not to say that we ought to reject and run from the good things of our life. Good provides us with goodness because He wants our joy to be complete. (Jn 16:24) That complete joy, however, comes not from ourselves or even from the things He provides. It comes from God and being one in God. We can only be in God when we offer up our sufferings and pain as a testament to our complete dependence on His Providence. Suffering does not necessarily mean that we are being punished. In the Book of Job, God allows the devil to test the righteous Job with all manner of disasters to him and his family in order to prove that his love for God is not a product of the things God provides but rather an unconditional love. Like Job, we too can sometimes be weak in the face of adversity and wonder whether God is just and loving. But just as Job repents and trusts in the Lord, we too can come to see that our suffering is purposeful in that it bring us closer to God!

     Even Jesus asked, in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Father that He remove His suffering. (Lk 22:42) In Jesus, we have our most clear example of the necessity and power of pain and suffering. Ultimately, Christ offered us His pain to the Lord, and, in so doing, opened the gates of Heaven to us. May we strive to accept our suffering with as much thanks to God that we accept our happiness.

Live Jesus in Our Hearts...Forever

     Today is the feast of St. John Baptist de La Salle. If you did not attend a Lasallian school like I did, chances are you have never heard of La Salle, who is the patron Saint of teachers. The following bio is from the website of the order he founded, The Brothers of the Christian Schools:

John Baptist de La Salle was born into a world very different from our own. He was the first son of wealthy parents living in France over 300 years ago. Born at Reims, John Baptist de La Salle received the tonsure at age eleven and was named Canon of the Reims Cathedral at sixteen. Though he had to assume the administration of family affairs after his parents died, he completed his theological studies and was ordained a priest on April 9, 1678.Two years later he received a doctorate in theology. Meanwhile he became tentatively involved with a group of rough and barely literate young men in order to establish schools for poor boys.

At that time a few people lived in luxury, but most of the people were extremely poor: peasants in the country, and slum dwellers in the towns. Only, a few could send their children to school; most children had little hope for the future. Moved by the plight of the poor who seemed so “far from salvation” either in this world or the next, he determined to put his own talents and advanced education at the service of the children “often left to themselves and badly brought up.” To be more effective, he abandoned his family home, moved in with the teachers, renounced his position as Canon and his wealth, and so formed the community that became known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

His enterprise met opposition from the ecclesiastical authorities who resisted the creation of a new form of religious life, a community of consecrated laymen to conduct gratuitous schools “together and by association.” The educational establishment resented his innovative methods and his insistence on gratuity for all, regardless of whether they could afford to pay. Nevertheless De La Salle and his Brothers succeeded in creating a network of quality schools throughout France that featured instruction in the vernacular, students grouped according to ability and achievement, integration of religious instruction with secular subjects, well-prepared teachers with a sense of vocation and mission, and the involvement of parents.

In addition, De La Salle pioneered in programs for training lay teachers, Sunday courses for working young men, and one of the first institutions in France for the care of delinquents. Worn out by austerities and exhausting labours, he died at Saint Yon near Rouen early in 1719 on Good Friday, only weeks before his sixty-eighth birthday.

John Baptist de La Salle was a pioneer in founding training colleges for teachers, reform schools for delinquents, technical schools, and secondary schools for modern languages, arts, and sciences. His work quickly spread through France and, after his death, continued to spread across the globe. In 1900 John Baptist de La Salle was declared a Saint. In 1950, because of his life and inspirational writings, he was made Patron Saint of all those who work in the field of education. John Baptist de La Salle inspired others how to teach and care for young people, how to meet failure and frailty with compassion, how to affirm, strengthen and heal. At the present time there are De La Salle schools in 80 different countries around the globe.

     What has always impressed me about Saint La Salle is his total devotion and submission to the will of God. He came from a wealthy family, yet he sacrificed his wealth to join the priesthood. The Saint's own words on his life are inspiring:

“I had imagined that the care which I assumed of the schools and the masters would amount only to a marginal involvement committing me to no more than providing for the subsistence of the masters and assuring that they acquitted themselves of their tasks with piety and devotedness ... Indeed, if I had ever thought that the care I was taking of the schoolmasters out of pure charity would ever have made it my duty to live with them, I would have dropped the whole project. ... God, who guides all things with wisdom and serenity, whose way it is not to force the inclinations of persons, willed to commit me entirely to the development of the schools. He did this in an imperceptible way and over a long period of time so that one commitment led to another in a way that I did not foresee in the beginning.”

     Our Lord doesn't reveal his complete plan to us all at once, for he knows that few would be able to overcome the fear and doubt that fills the human heart when it is asked to take a leap of faith in service to the Kingdom of God. Rather, our Heavenly Father shepherds us incrementally, as he did to much success with Saint La Salle.


     In Lasallian schools, we begin each class with a short prayer that I still try to recite several times a day. It can help us to remember that we are never alone:

Let us remember...that we are in the holy presence of God.
Saint John the Baptist de La Salle...pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts...forever!

My Father's Last and Greatest Lesson

It was a Tuesday, and my father had an early morning meeting at work.  It was raining heavily that morning, but I only lived two blocks from school. As I was ready to leave, my father offered to give me a ride over.  He was already late, and the school was in the opposite direction from where he was supposed to be going.  Nonetheless, I wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity to stay dry, so I got in his car and off we went.  That ride was short.  I remember my father had a sports radio station on, but it was inaudible due to the rain pounding on the car and the windshield wiper’s frantic swooshing.  As we turned into the parking lot, I groaned.  The lane for car drop offs was a good 50 feet from the door, meaning I would have to dodge ran drops as I hurried into school.  As our car approached the front of the line, my sole focus was getting into that school as fast and as dry as possible.  I hopped out of the car, and took a few steps in the direction of the school before I heard my father’s voice.  “Hey buddy,” he said, “aren’t you gonna give me a hug?”  I was already standing in the rain, and I did not want to trudge back to the car.  I’d give him a hug later.  I said to him, “Aw dad, it raining out here.”  He gave me a smiled at me and said, “Alright, you better get in. I love you.”  Quickly, I gave him a half nod as I turned towards the school, and by the time I reached the door and looked back at the parking lot, the car was making the turn out onto the street.  That would be the last time I ever saw my father.

Nine years later, I still feel regret that I didn't take that opportunity to say a proper goodbye to my dad, that I didn't tell him I loved him. However, in my failing I learned a valuable lesson: never leave anyone without telling them how I feel. And so, as my semester draws to a close here in Washington, and I prepare to go to back to Buffalo for the summer and then on to Costa Rica in the fall, I want to thank all my friends for a great year. I'd like to especially note the people at the GW Newman Catholic Student Center for welcoming me in and helping me to grow in my faith this semester in ways I never would have dreamt possible. From the bottom of my heart, I thank God for bringing me here and allowing me the privilege of getting to know such dedicated and devout young Catholics! I look forward to seeing everyone again when I return in January!

If you could, please say a prayer today for the repose of my dad's soul. He was not without his flaws, but overall a kind and decent man who loved his family. Thank you.

R.I.P. Michael S. McHenry 9/12/1953-5/14/2003

Because we don't know when we will die, we get to think of life as an inexhaustible well. Yet everything happens only a certain number of times, and a very small number really. How many more times will you remember a certain afternoon of your childhood, some afternoon that is so deeply a part of your being that you can't even conceive of your life without it? Perhaps four or five times more, perhaps not even that. How many more times will you watch the full moon rise? Perhaps twenty. And yet it all seems limitless. -Paul Bowles

Don't Forget Our Mother!

     It would be rude not to begin today's post without a warm wish for a very blessed Mother's Day to all Moms. And what kind of Catholic blog would this be if I did not devote today's edition to the most important woman in all of our lives:  Mary.

     Mary: Blessed Mother, Virgin, Immaculate, Madonna, Our Lady, Queen of Heaven, Theotokos. Never has nor ever will there be a woman known so universally yet by so many varied titles. The list above does not even begin to approach being exhaustive, as it neglects the multitude of titles inspired by Marian apparitions, such as Our Lady of Guadalupe or Our Lady of Lourdes.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Washington, D.C.

     Why is it that Mary is shown such devotion among Catholics throughout the World? First, Mary was created as the ideal vessel through which God would become man. Before time, God had her in mind to become Theotokos, or "God-bearer." Unblemished in body and soul, she is the model for all women and the desire of all men.

     Secondly, Mary is the epitome of absolute fidelity and faithfulness to the Lord. Imagine if today, amidst all your daily and long-term goals and desires, the Angel Gabriel paid you a visit. If he told you that your Lord has requested your life, through which He would bring about the salvation of all souls, now and forever, how would you respond? Personally, I would question the Lord's judgement! Yet, Mary, no more than a teenager at the time, replied, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. (Lk 1:38) Her reply shows the humble servitude we are all called to have before our Heavenly Father.

     Even more amazing than her initial reply is her grace throughout the remainder of her time on Earth. How difficult it must have been to raise the Son of God! How difficult it must have been to present the Child Jesus at the Temple and hear the Prophet Saint Simeon profess, and a soul shall pierce through your own soul also. (Lk 2:35) How difficult it must have been when the prophecy was fulfilled and she watched her Son hang upon the cross, no longer as her Son, but rather as the Paschal Lamb sacrificed for all. And she too was transformed. For no longer was she just the Mother of Jesus; she is forever the Mother of God and Mother of the whole World.

     All of this took place because Mary said yes to God's will over her own. How deeply our society would profit today if more followed the Blessed Mother's example. Too many are unwilling to sacrifice of themselves- their lifestyles, their possessions, their immoral desires- to obtain the pearl of great price that is eternal life. God calls us to freely give our being over to Him, as Mary did. Sadly, too often we flee from this call like the man in Matthew's Gospel flew from Jesus when He told him to give what he already owned in exchange for treasure in heaven. The man went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. (Mt 19:21-22).

     How can we ask Mary to help us become more sacrificial? The best way I have found is through a daily recitation of the rosary. The rosary has been called many things. Pope Adrian VI called it the scourge of the devil. Pope Paul V called it a treasure of graces. Joachim Cardinal Meisner called its prayers the New Testament and the Faith of the Church in Miniature. Perhaps most important of all, however, is the fact that when Mary appeared at Fatima, she did not introduce herself with our lofty titles for her such as "Queen of Heaven" or "Immaculate Mary". She said I am the Lady of the Rosary!

     There are many creative ways that the rosary (which takes about 15-20 minutes to recite) can be fit into our busy days. One option is to say it before going to bed. Another is to say one while stuck in traffic. Or we can say one while we ride the subway or the bus. Personally, I enjoy saying mine while going for a walk. As I walk, I hold the rosary in my right hand, the beads dangling down inconspicuously along the side of my leg. While my intention is never to draw attention to my private prayer, it always amazes me how many passerbys notice and smile. I've been praying daily while walking for about a month month, since the weather has warmed up, and not once have I experienced a negative reaction to the rosary. That's the power of Mary!

     On a final note, the rosary is a great devotion to do to ask Mary for her intercession for an intention. For example, yesterday a family member asked for my prayers on behalf of her mother. Later on in the day, a friend told me that her brother's friend had been killed in a car crash, and I prayed another rosary for consolation for her and all those effected by that tragedy. In addition to my early rosary for my own daily private intentions, that was a three rosary day; a terrific way to burn off all the extra calories I ate stressing over finals this past week!

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.Amen.

     I encourage you to join me in saying a rosary today, not for any particular intercession, but rather in thanksgiving that we have such a venerable Mother to laud on this day.

On Marriage

     By now, I'm sure you are aware that the President and Vice President have both voiced their personal support this week for same-sex marriage. While it is disappointing that two men who profess their Christian beliefs would publicly support such a measure, it is hardly surprising. It seems that marriage, more than any other issue, causes many Christians, and especially Catholics, to waver in their fidelity to the Church.

     One of the reasons why so many Christians support same-sex marriage is that it is framed in a way that is deceptive. One of the popular claims made, one that President Obama himself used, is that extending marriage to those in same-sex relationships furthers equality.  During the interview where he made his new beliefs known, the President even tried to use Christ as a justification for supporting a measure that goes against God's natural law. He said:

...in the end the values that I care most deeply about and she [Mrs. Obama] cares most deeply about is how we treat other people and, you know, I, you know, we are both practicing Christians and obviously this position may be considered to put us at odds with the views of others but, you know, when we think about our faith, the thing at root that we think about is, not only Christ sacrificing himself on our behalf, but it's also the Golden Rule, you know, treat others the way you would want to be treated.

     When I first heard the President's reasoning, I had to pause to think. Like listening to a salesman making a pitch, I got the sense that something didn't quite logically fit. In this case, President Obama has adapted Christ's plea, so whatever you wish that men would to do to you, do so to them (Mt 7:12), to fit the moral relativistic society he governs. We as heterosexuals would not enjoy being told we could not marry, so thus it is not "Christian" to restrict marriage.

     The problem with the President's interpretation of scripture is he picks out a particularly well known verse without providing the full context of what Jesus preached. Let us consider the "Golden Rule", in the context of the two preceding verses:

Or what man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! So whatever you wish that men would to do to you, do so to them. (Mt 7:9-12)

     We can clearly see that Jesus is not implying that we ought to give anything to anyone who asks, simply because it would not be loving to do otherwise. To the contrary, we are called to give good gifts.  Just as a stone only appears to be bread and a serpent only resembles a fish at a glance, any "marriage" between a two men or two woman would be nothing more than a facsimile of what God intends Holy Matrimony to be for His children.

     

     Marriage creates the structure through which a family is created and humanity is propagated. The problem with same-sex marriages are that the marriage is not centered around the family ideal. Granted, this problem is found is many heterosexual marriages today as well. Until very recently, marriage in all societies was more about procreation and the rearing of children that would be responsible, contributing members of society rather than the husband and wife as individuals. Today, our 50% divorce rate is indicative of the emphasis now placed on the personal happiness of the husband and wife. God intended for marriage to join man and woman into one being. Just as one cannot cleave themselves if they are displeased or facing times of turmoil, the married couple was meant to place their vows of matrimony before their own wants and ambitions. Sadly, these egotistical considerations have smeared God's great gift of matrimony, leaving our society with a mess of broken homes and a whole generation of children who have never been exposed to responsible, dedicated parents who place familial cohesion over personal comfort.

     

     Given our culture's flawed view of traditional marriage as a sexual relationship, it should not surprise us that the time is ripe for a push towards acceptance of same-sex marriage. If you believe that marriage is a right and not a God-given gift, and you believe that its primary purpose is anything other than procreation, than there is little reason why we ought not support giving same-sex couples marriage licenses. But then, why would we stop there? If the sexual relationship defines marriage, then why should a group marriage of 3, 4, or 5 people be disallowed? If marriage is more about the financial benefits of tax exemptions and social security, then why not allow polygamy? If restricting marriage goes against the "Golden Rule", then perhaps the President should propose that all first cousins be allowed to wed. Of course, cousins in committed relationships probably isn't enough of an electorate for his views to "evolve" to that extreme.

     The Church's views on homosexuality are clearly state in the Catechism:

     The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter.

I have gay friends, coworkers, and classmates. I try to treat them with the dignity they deserve as children of God, like everyone else. However, my faith tells me homosexual relationships are unnatural and immoral, since they cannot lead to new life. I wish more Catholics were open to showing care and concern for homosexuals, while at the same time making clear that their lifestyle is one which leads them away from God. Obviously, there are many homosexuals who do not wish to change their lifestyle, just as there are many heterosexuals who do not wish to give up their desires of the flesh. Yet, I wonder if the Catholic Church does all it can to reach out to those who do wish or may be open to overcoming their tendencies. In my own experience, I know too often I have just assumed that the homosexuals I know have made a decision to choose that life over one in the Church. During my time in college in Washington, however, I've met or have heard about numerous young adults who, despite their sexual orientation, seek ways to continue participating in the Church. To me, their example is the strongest evidence to support the Church's teachings on homosexuality. It would be so easy, even logical, for these men and women to abandon the faith altogether. Yet, something about Catholicism, its truth, keeps them near as they grapple with the cross they must bear. Though their lifestyle and society may tell them to flee from the Lord, in their hearts they, like Saint Peter, cry out Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. (Jn 6:68)

Christianity is the Soul of the World

     Today was a great day, especially because finals ended for me! As I mentioned before, I am taking the next three days to refresh my mind. I plan on spending some quiet reflection time at the largest Catholic Church in North America (and one of the top 10 in the World), right here in Washington! I also plan on re-reading Dante's Divine Comedy, since this past week has felt a lot like journeying through Hell to Paradise...

     In the meantime, I thought I would post one of the readings from today's Divine Office. I found it to be a real powerful summation of the role and place of Christianity in the World. I hope you enjoy, and I'd love it if you'd post your reaction to this letter in the comments below!

From a letter to Diognetus
The Christian in the world

Christians are indistinguishable from other men either by nationality, language or customs. They do not inhabit separate cities of their own, or speak a strange dialect, or follow some outlandish way of life. Their teaching is not based upon reveries inspired by the curiosity of men. Unlike some other people, they champion no purely human doctrine. With regard to dress, food and manner of life in general, they follow the customs of whatever city they happen to be living in, whether it is Greek or foreign.

And yet there is something extraordinary about their lives. They live in their own countries as though they were only passing through. They play their full role as citizens, but labor under all the disabilities of aliens. Any country can be their homeland, but for them their homeland, wherever it may be, is a foreign country. Like others, they marry and have children, but they do not expose them. They share their meals, but not their wives. They live in the flesh, but they are not governed by the desires of the flesh. They pass their days upon earth, but they are citizens of heaven. Obedient to the laws, they yet live on a level that transcends the law.

Christians love all men, but all men persecute them. Condemned because they are not understood, they are put to death, but raised to life again. They live in poverty, but enrich many; they are totally destitute, but possess an abundance of everything. They suffer dishonor, but that is their glory. They are defamed, but vindicated. A blessing is their answer to abuse, deference their response to insult. For the good they do they receive the punishment of malefactors, but even then they rejoice, as though receiving the gift of life. They are attacked by the Jews as aliens, they are persecuted by the Greeks, yet no one can explain the reason for this hatred.

To speak in general terms, we may say that the Christian is to the world what the soul is to the body. As the soul is present in every part of the body, while remaining distinct from it, so Christians are found in all the cities of the world, but cannot be identified with the world. As the visible body contains the invisible soul, so Christians are seen living in the world, but their religious life remains unseen. The body hates the soul and wars against it, not because of any injury the soul has done it, but because of the restriction the soul places on its pleasures. Similarly, the world hates the Christians, not because they have done it any wrong, but because they are opposed to its enjoyments.

Christians love those who hate them just as the soul loves the body and all its members despite the body’s hatred. It is by the soul, enclosed within the body, that the body is held together, and similarly, it is by the Christians, detained in the world as in a prison, that the world is held together. The soul, though immortal, has a mortal dwelling place; and Christians also live for a time amidst perishable things, while awaiting the freedom from change and decay that will be theirs in heaven. As the soul benefits from the deprivation of food and drink, so Christians flourish under persecution. Such is the Christian’s lofty and divinely appointed function, from which he is not permitted to excuse himself.

Nota Bene

     Hello all! Due to final exams , the blog will be on hiatus this week as I turn my attention more fully to my studies. I also plan on doing a couple days of reflection and refreshment Friday and Saturday at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception right here in Washington! It's a terrific place to recharge one's mind and heart, two things that are drained by the end of another semester.

     Please keep me and my classmates in your prayers and I look forward to sharing more with you this weekend!

Miles to Go Before We Sleep

     In today's Gospel, Jesus announces, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. (Jn 14:6) Often, we feel like Thomas, who says to the Lord, We do not know where you are going; how can we know the way? (Jn 14:5) But Jesus is the way, that is to say, he is the path that leads to himself. In imitating Christ we stay on the road to eternal life, which is the destination to which the way leads. This reality is the truth, and how good the truth is once we come to believe it!

     Why is it then that all of us at times let ourselves stray from the true way towards life? Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, humanity has failed to resist the desire for immediate gratification. Whereas Adam and Eve sought after knowledge before God willed it for us, today we desire to satisfy ourselves here on Earth, rather than trust in God's will for us to reach true happiness with Him in Heaven. As Jesus warned us the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Mt 26:41)

     Is it any wonder really that we face mounting moral societal crises at a time when we have increasingly chosen speed over substance, and quantity over quality, convenience and comfort over out Christianity? We have a seemingly insatiable desire to be the quickest, the most prolific, the pacesetter. Yet when did Jesus ever proclaim a special prize to the first through the pearly gates? In fact, He said on the matter: the last will be first, and the first last. (Mt 20:16)

     Indeed, it seems our Savior knew that, because of our nature, we would require a slow, methodical pace on the way to salvation. Saint Peter implores us in his second epistle: but do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (2 Pe 3:8) Let us learn to be at peace with a slower journey, confidant that God wants us to stay squarely on the way, even if we must crawl along it. As Saint Thomas Aquinas wrote in regards to this Gospel:

It is better to limp along the way than stride along off the way. For a man who limps along the way, even if he only makes slow progress, comes to the end of the way; but one who is off the way, the more quickly he runs, the further away is he from his goal.

Working for Free

     What are some things we do for free? Here's a short list of what I came up with:

• going to Mass
• visiting/taking care of sick family members
• doing work around the house for the benefit of our family
• community service

     Reflecting back to this past Sunday's Gospel (Jn 10:9-18), Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd. He holds Himself in contrast to a hired worker, who flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. We have a tendency to measure our work by the compensation we receive for it. We value our school work because it will make us more employable. We value our jobs because they pay the bills.

     Certainly, a job that covers our expenses is an important part of a life and can bring us a certain degree of fulfillment as well as afford us the opportunity to be charitable to others. Yet these things we get paid for pale in comparison to what we do for God, for neighbor and for the salvation of our own souls. If we look at our lists of things we do for "free",  we should begin to realize that these are the things that bring us closer to God. Our compensation cannot be measured in monetary terms, because we do not do these tasks for the world. When we attend Mass, we are doing so out of concern for our relationship with God. When we help others, we are both manifesting God's love and receiving God's grace through our actions.

     Let us take care to remember that the greatest things we do are those actions that are done out of concern and love- modeling Jesus the Good Shepherd, who worked for free and not as a hired hand.