Thoughts and opinions from a Priest in the PNCC
A bit of an older story from the Telegraph: Highway to Hell among most requested funeral songs.
The Led Zeppelin and AC/DC anthems rank outside the top 10, but have gained ground in recent years as more Australians give up traditional Christian hymns…
As Christians we could do some headbanging over this trend, but only if we have done enough to reach the unchurched. Otherwise stay tuned because you may be hearing this at your local funeral home:
I found the following story from the Economist to be interesting: The heretical Czechs. The pragmatic skeptics who will have the next European-Union presidency.
On a 2007 visit to talk over EU affairs, the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said the Czechs reminded her of modern-day Hussites—”followers of Jan Hus, who was burnt at the stake in 1415 for challenging the Roman Catholic Church. This was a shrewd observation, says Alexandr Vondra, a deputy prime minister. The Hussite movement was crushed amid bitter in-fighting, and the Czechs remained Catholic. But Hus remains a national hero, and his legacy helps to explain why Czech views of the EU differ from those of such neighbours as Germany or Slovakia. Mr Vondra suggests that Czechs think like —classic reformation countries—, such as the Netherlands or Sweden.
I actually enjoyed the way the author used religious imagery throughout this report on the E.U..
I posted earlier on the upcoming R.C. Synod on the Word of God. Zenit published a list of participants:
Here is the list of participants Benedict XVI appointed for the 12th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, to be held Oct. 5-26 in the Vatican. The theme is “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church…”
What I found interesting was the list of auditors. Besides a few scholars and university types as well as the traditional religious communities, there is a number of newer communities like the “Shalom” Catholic community, Brazil, and the NeoCatechumenal Way. An interesting mix.
Hopefully efforts at evangelizing on the Word of God will not be focused on these institutes and communities but as something core to the Church’s mission — something for every parish and every bishop, priest, and deacon. Remember deacon’s – one of your core jobs is the proclamation of the Word.
An interesting post at WebCommentary entitled: Unapologetic Sally Quinn’s Holy Communion Abuse. Also read Ms. Quinn’s On Faith post on the issue.
This sort of thing really annoys me. Beyond the typical web based religious extremism – we’re right everyone else is wrong/going to hell/some such – it belies an attitude that seems to be more and more prevalent even among members of the R.C. hierarchy. It is a sort of reliance on legalism and the loss of what Ms. Quinn calls for – charity.
Whenever I hear the phrases: We have Canon…, or According to Canon… I cannot help but think of the Chief Priest standing there saying: “We have our law…” (John 19:7).
Agreed that Ms. Quinn didn’t read the directions in the back of the R.C. missalette. Agreed that she didn’t follow “the R.C. rules.” That said I can think of a few better responses, for instance:
Ms. Quinn, let’s talk about the Eucharist. I am so glad to see that you understand that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus. That’s an inspired understanding
When Ms. Quinn asked the proverbial WWJD question; a good answer would have been: He would talk to you and teach you. He would not accuse you and make it less likely that you would enter a relationship with Him and His Church. Unfortunately she hasn’t received that response at WebCommentary, from other Commentators, or in her com-box.
Opportunities are missed on a human scale — person-to-person. I would love to talk to Ms. Quinn and let her know that there are Catholics (to wit the PNCC) who believe the Eucharist does work miracles in peoples lives. Not the flashy kind – but the kind that build us up to be the people who are the apple of God’s eye (Deuteronomy 32:9-11). If we aren’t watching for the subtlety of God’s way (1 Kings 19:11-13) and are rushing to judgment then we will have a lot more to answer for.
mobtown mafioso posted an interesting commentary on an ethnic festival recently held in Baltimore. See: Baltimore Ethnic Festivals- Bringing Genocidal Enemies Together
Yesterday, I went to Baltimore’s Ukrainian Festival. For you who do not know, it is the weekend every year where Baltimore’s Ukrainian population gathers together and celebrates the good parts of their heritage like quality beers, potato pancakes, and meat filled dumplings, but otherwise demonstrating a studied ignorance of the relevant parts.
What was particularly ironic was the decision to hold the Ukrainian festival in front of the Count Pulaski statue. What made this ironic was the large-scale massacre of Poles by Ukrainians during WWII…
Yet, despite this history, the Ukrainian festival featured Polish sausages and a booth for the Polish National Catholic Church. Like I said, Baltimore Ethnic Festivals bring genocidal foes together.
What I wonder is whether the author: Was making an observation as to the ironies of history; Believes that people are just ignorant of past wrongs and now, so informed, should regurgitate these wrongs so to bring about a state of frenzied dislike within the remainder of old ethnic communities; or Thinks that every ethnic festival should include a display covering the darkest chapters of that group’s history.
Certainly Poles and Ukrainians have had a long history, living side-by-side and together throughout history. There are things that unite and some things that divide, but on the whole the relationship with the westward facing portion of the Ukraine has been generally positive. The eastern Ukraine is another story, but that is because the east faces east – toward Russia. For more on this see this RFE/RL article: Analysis: Ukraine, Poland Seek Reconciliation Over Grisly History.
A relatively unknown fact was that there was a civil war in Poland following World War 2. The remnants of the Armia Krajowa (AK – Poland’s underground army in World War 2) fought against the communist takeover of Poland. Some of these battles were along the Polish-Ukrainian border with the remnants of Bandera’s Ukrainian Insurgent Army. Much of what the author writes about reflects the World War 2 and the post World War civil war period.
Going back to things that unite and divide, the author might wish to study the history of ethic communities in his city and in the United States. He might find that some animosities from the old county come into play among more recent immigrants, but even there it’s less likely nowadays. Most modern Poles don’t carry around these types of grudges because they see their reflection in the eyes of the Ukrainians, slightly east, slightly poorer. As some have told me, ‘What America was to us, is what we are to the East.’ On the other hand Polish-Americans and Ukrainian-Americans who are heirs of the older generations (the pre-World War 2 immigration) have shared a common struggle here in the United States, attempting to maintaining ethnic identity, cultural and religious ties, and joining a common fight against natavist racial stereotypes.
I say great for Baltimore and the Ukrainian festival with Polish flavor. What we share is more than what divides – including kiełbasa or ковбаÑа. Irony only exists if yesterdays battles retain their relevancy. I would prefer to enjoy my вареники and the highlights of Ukrainian culture without a serving of ethnic remorse.
In many ways in keeping with what Bishop Hodur wrote on regeneration in Our Way of Life:
Rebirth comes from a spiritual transformation which changes man into a new being. It begins with an understanding of our true relationship with God and moving into closer union with Him. This understanding and this union become sources of the great power which is needed to complete the transformation…
But how does one attain this situation? How can we bring about this miraculous transformation of the human soul, which changes the wretched and sinful human into the fortunate one who finds satisfaction even among life’s greatest adversities?
There are two incentives for this change: one flows directly from God; the second is inherent in human consciousness…
They found themselves, figuratively, on the brink of an abyss of torment and despair. A sense of hopelessness and a feeling of the insignificance of human life emanated from it.
At such a moment in their lives, they met the Divine Teacher from Nazareth. This meeting determined their subsequent way of life and their entire futures. It became their rescue, deliverance, and rebirth.
Through this contact with Christ, their uncertainty vanished, their doubts disappeared, and they no longer heard the voices of despair. An energizing force flowed into their souls, and along with it came great perception, holy fervor, unbounded love of God, and the desire to dedicate their lives to the service of mankind. — Excerpts from Chapter IV, Spiritual Rebirth.
At our recent Clergy Conference we heard a report from one of our diocesan priests who is assigned as a military chaplain
This priest has been to Iraq twice, and both times has been stationed in some of the worst areas of Iraq. He spoke at length about his ministry, especially as it relates to prayer, counseling, Bible study, suicide prevention
He noted that our servicemen and women are heartened to know that the folks back home are praying for them. They also love to hear the chaplains read out the cards and letters sent in-care-of those chaplains. The prayers, cards, and letters brighten their difficult existence.
This priest was very supportive of me in my vocation and when he told me he was going full-time active duty I was not surprised. He definitely had the calling for this ministry. Based on his report I see why he was called. God does make sense, even in the midst of senselessness.
Whether or not you subscribe to the neo-con, Bush Administration line on this war (I do not), the men and women of the armed services need the ministry of these chaplains. It is a worthy vocation and true service in times of difficulty.
I encourage you to do several things: Pray for our servicemen and women and for the ministry of their chaplains. Consider the vocation to serve in this capacity. Send a card or letter in care of a chaplain. Let him or her know they can read it out to their congregation.
O, God, the strength of those who put their trust in Thee; Bless we pray, our soldiers, sailors, servicewomen, and airmen; our chaplains, doctors, nurses; and all enlisted in the service of our country. Give Thy holy angels charge over them to protect them from all harm; deliver them in all temptation, and if it by Thy gracious will, bring them safely home. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. —” A Prayer for Those in the Armed Forces from A Book of Devotions and Prayers According to the Use of the Polish National Catholic Church.
A guest post from Bob Lotich on Church Marketing Sucks: Why I’ve Run From Churches
Let me start by saying that I have been planted in my current church for over 10 years. I deeply believe in the value of staying in the church that God plants you in rather than just leaving as soon as you get offended. That said, I have lived in a few different cities and have visited quite a few churches in each one when trying to find out where to land. I have seen some wonderful things and I have seen some things that made me want to run for the doors. These are the things that caused me to run for the door…
In the Catholic view people may not run from the Church, but from parishes that exhibit the sorts of behaviors he outlines. That said, people run from the Church as well, when its leaders collectively act counter to the Faith.
I think Mr. Lotich conveys an overall message of faithful Christian witness — in our communal life, in our interactions, and in our witness to each other and the world. Reflecting on his message and rooting out the traits that can close off a parish, or the Church itself, are a discipline that is in keeping with the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20):
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”
From Interfaith Worker Justice:
Don’t we all know someone who helps make our days run more smoothly? What about the office assistant who keeps the office organized; the volunteer who comes in faithfully to help file and copy papers; the security guard who works all night; the friendly cashier who greets you with a smile? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if these folks were told how much their work is appreciated?
You can honor these workers by visiting the IWJ Web site and click on the Honor a Worker button. With your gift, your honoree/s will receive a tribute card. In addition, IWJ will post your honoree/s name along with occupation on the IWJ Website. You can also contact Simintha Esson at 773-728-8400, ext. 12 and request “Honor a Worker” tribute cards.
Interfaith Worker Justice calls upon our religious values in order to educate, organize, and mobilize the religious community in the U.S. on issues and campaigns that will improve wages, benefits and working conditions for workers, especially workers in low-wage jobs.
Interfaith Worker Justice relies on contributions to support its work. Your tax-deductible gift will be strategically used to further justice for workers throughout the United States.
From John Guzlowski’s Lighting and Ashes blog: September 1, 1939
69 years ago on September 1. 1939, the Germans invaded Poland. Their blitzkrieg, their lightning war, came from the air and the sea and the sky. By Sept 28, Warsaw, the capital city of Poland, gave up. By October 7, the last Polish resistance inside Poland ended.
…
The world had not seen anything like it, and it was the prelude to a lot of things the world had never seen before: the Final Solution, Total War, the concentration camps, the atomic bomb, the fire bombing of civilian populations, and brutality on a level that most people still don’t want to think about almost 70 years later.
When the Germans attacked on that September 1, My dad was 19 and working on his uncle’s farm with his brother Roman. Their parents had died when the boys were young, and their uncle and aunt took them in and taught them how to farm, how to prepare the soil in the fall and plant the seeds in the spring. My mom was 17 and living with her parents and her sisters and brothers in a forest west of Lvov in eastern Poland.
The summer had been hot and dry, and both of my parents, like so many other Poles, were looking forward to the fall and the beginning of milder weather.
The war turned my parents’ lives upside down. Nothing they planned or anticipated could have prepared them for what happened.
By the end of the war, they were both slave laborers in Nazi Germany, their homes destroyed, their families dead or scattered, their country taken over by the Soviet Union.
Read the whole thing and view the video links. Remember the cost of war, think of the the sacrifice of Poland, the waste, the lessons learned, pray for the dead, and moreover pray for peace.
Almighty God, by whose grace we look for the day when nation shall not any more lift up sword against nation, and when men shall live without fear in security and peace, grant to us in this time of strife the will to labor for peace even while our sword is drawn to resist the foe. Let not the evil we oppose turn us from our purpose, to achieve unity and concord among the nations of the earth, to Thy honor and glory. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — Prayer for Peace from A Book of Devotions and Prayers According to the Use of the Polish National Catholic Church.