I really loved the Sanctus bells at the consecration. Why do we not use them any more? Is this a diocesan decision or is it up to the parish itself? I have read that the bells were more important in the old Latin mass because it was hard to tell exactly what was going on and when you heard the ringing you knew that the consecration was taking place. Well no matter – I really miss them. Let’s face it: our minds can wander during Mass. No matter how saintly we are. It’s just part of being human, but when those bells were rung it always “brought me back” and quickly. A good thing too because I was about to “drift” through what I consider the most important part of the Mass. You know we can use that moment during consecration to thank Jesus for dying on that cross for us, for shedding His blood for us. We can even use that moment to ask for forgiveness, for healing, for salvation. A friend of mine told me that at the moment of consecration angels are completely covering the altar. Hovering above, behind, and to the sides of the priest. Wow – isn’t that an awesome picture to envision. Can you imagine if we actually truly saw them. Guess we wouldn’t need the bells then.
Daily Thoughts... Hide threads
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etc. by sarah: Sanctus Bells
Sarah
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Fasting: Food for Thought
Stephanie
Fasting is a part of many religious traditions, and for us Catholics, Lent is a season for fasting. For me, because I have not outgrown many characteristics of a toddler, this poses a particular challenge. It’s not because I lack discipline or self control; it’s because I get cranky, and I mean, really cranky. When I am hungry I am an irritable, impatient beast. Because of this, I have gone back and forth about whether or not I should even fast at all. If my hunger wreaks havoc in the lives of all I encounter and leads me into sin, maybe I shouldn’t be fasting.
This leads me into a question I’ve often considered. If you are in a situation where it is challenging to live out your Christian values, should you avoid that situation or persevere? For example, if I work in an environment that makes it hard to live out my faith, should I just keep trying or should I try to find somewhere where it is easier to live by what I believe? I was faced with this at one point and chose to find a better environment. I ended up much happier and felt I was living much closer to the Christian ideal. But what good is my faith practice if it only holds up in agreeable situations?
I also think about how Jesus told us we should pray: “Our Father…lead us not into temptation…” We are to ask God to spare us of temptation, which suggests that we should do our best to avoid it too. If there is a situation in which I know my good intentions will fold and I’ll end up being a beast, should I just avoid it? Should I keep trying to fast?
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etc. by sarah: "How are You"
Sarah
“How are you”? How many times a day are we asked that? Do we use that question as an opportunity to give glory to God, or do we lower our chins to our belly buttons and start with the long list of complaints? Do we get so bogged down with what we DON”T have that we can’t see what we DO have? So many blessings in our lives that we forget to acknowledge. The little things that we have grown blind to. What a slap in the face to God that must be. We get so caught up in our secular wants that we forget Jesus has secured for us a place in His Father’s kingdom. That should make you smile. That alone should have you responding differently to the question.
So… “How are You” and your answer is??????
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Sacrificial Love
Stephanie
This Lent, my family is participating in Operation Rice Bowl. The other night, I was explaining the project to my husband who was looking over the packet.
“Corn porridge with spicy vegetables? What’s that all about?” he asked.
“Oh yeah,” I responded, “Well each week they give you a recipe from the country that’s featured there, and we’re supposed to eat that. But, we’re not doing that. I mean, corn porridge and spicy vegetables? There’s no way that would ever fill me up and satisfy me for dinner!”
I later thought more about this and realized I was missing the whole point. I wasn’t willing to sacrifice one meal of what I thought would be filling and satisfying in order to act in solidarity with those who may not ever be filled or satisfied in the way I am accustomed to. This got me thinking about my ability to sacrifice for others.
I stared thinking about my marriage, a place where sacrificial love is crucial for success. I thought of my sweet husband who sacrifices with amazing humility and graciousness. He sacrifices without thinking twice and without letting anyone know. He is willing to sacrifice so completely that he oftentimes makes any sacrifice on my part unnecessary. So most of the time I get to go on my merry way, not even realizing everything he is sacrificing for me.
And those times that I do sacrifice for my husband, oh boy, he never hears the end of it! Before the sacrifice, during the sacrifice, and long after the sacrifice, I’ll let my husband know exactly what it’s costing me and how much I’ve been inconvenienced. The more I thought about my sacrifices, the more I struggled to think of examples that didn’t involve a sacrifice that was done on my terms and in my way. All I could think of were pseudo-sacrifices which still left me comfortable and not too much inconvenienced. Do I truly know what it means to sacrifice?
If I struggle to find clear examples of my sacrificial love in my marriage, dare I even examine the sacrificial love I have for Jesus? He who has sacrificed so perfectly for me, am I even trying to demonstrate a true sacrificial love for Him?
In any case, I have over five weeks left in Lent to practice, and I have to let my husband know that we’re having corn porridge and spicy vegetables for dinner this week.
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Jerry Reiner
I like to cook and corn porridge and spicy vegetables sounds very interesting. With that said, I just wanted to offer a gentle and friendly comment.
Our relationship with Jesus is not separate from our relationship with our family or community. Jesus offered His parable of the Last Judgment to make the point.
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“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne,
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and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
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He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
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Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
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For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me,
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naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’
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Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
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When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?
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When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’
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And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’
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Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
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For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
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a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’
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Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’
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He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’
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And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” (Matt 25v31-46).Your relationship with your husband (which sounds wonderful) is your relationship with Jesus. Your sacrifices for the love of your husband are your sacrifices for the love of Jesus.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Jesus gave a synposis of what a child of God ought to do. It’s gentle and possible.
In Matthew Chapters 5-7 the Lord gives us the Sermon on the Mount. He sums up the Sermon this way….24
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
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The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.
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And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
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The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” (Matt 7v 24-28)By the way, last Sunday for reasons of logistics I went to Liturgy twice. The second Liturgy was at St. Mary’s in Pompton Lakes. The pastor offered a simple family Lenten program for consideration. Families were asked to save 50 cents a day…cutting back on coffee for instance… and the money saved would be collected in a big wicker basket at church and the funds given to the poor. 50 cents a day, $3,50 week…times the number of registered families in the parish was a huge sum.
I decided to give up a soda at lunch and give part of the proceeds to Operation Rice Bowl and 50 cents towards this project. I drink water at lunch and came to realize what a gift from God fresh water was.
Just another idea for Lent. Be at peace an enjoy the Corn porridge.
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etc. by sarah: grounded
Sarah
Just watched Tiger Woods statement to the world about his current situation. In one part of his talk he says he had practiced Buddhism, but recently had moved away from his spirituality. He had moved away from what had grounded him. I know nothing about Buddhism (except that it teaches self-denial), but it seems to me that for Tiger it must have focused him in some way. I know my Catholicism does. My faith does. I don’t know where I’d be without it. Every life has its ups and downs. The ups are easy to handle it’s the downs that test you. You simply cannot do it without your faith. You will start to slowly crumble – piece by piece. I have seen it happen time and time again. The hardships become too much. You give in . You give up. You lose sight of the good.
From Max Lucado’s book “He Still Moves Stones” :
“An example of faith was found on the wall of a concentration camp. On it a prisoner had carved the words:
I believe in the sun, even though it doesn’t shine,
I believe in love even when it isn’t shown,
I believe in God, even when He doesn’t speak.
I try to imagine the person who etched those words. I try to envision his skeletal hand gripping the broken glass or stone that cut into the wall. I try to imagine his eyes squinting through the darkness as he carved each letter. What hand could have cut such a conviction? What eyes could have seen good in such horror? There is only one answer: Eyes that chose to see the unseen.”
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Fr. Paul, "Breaking Open The Word"
Paul Barboutz
Lent is time to restore our spiritual health. To stay away from devil temptations, such as that we can replace God, which leads us to selfisness, hate, cruelty, division. That we will think that we are better than others, that we are beyond good and evil.
At list one time in our life, we must feel a profound sense that we are sinners. We are creatures not the Creature, to understand the difference between Divinity and humanity between us and Him.
Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert. Desert is not a romantic place. Jesus won against the devil by praying which is the energy of our soul and by being faithful to the Father, and by understanding that unity with God is the most important thing.
Jesus wants that we will live in peace, generosity, and love. Jesus asks to take us back to paradise, while the devil wants that we will live in loneliness and alienation in a spiritual desert.
To say that we believe in Jesus is to put Him at the center of our life. We are called to live according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is far more than repeating the words that we have faith in Christ. The Lord wants from us unity of Heart and Words.
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Discussion with an atheist and an agnostic
Steve
Last week I had an interesting dialogue with a friend who claims to be an atheist and her son who felt the term agnostic was better, because you really can’t prove beyond doubt whether there is or is not a God; ultimately you believe or don’t believe. I thought the latter argument had more rationality to it, though I must admit to some feelings of emptiness at its implications.
To defend my faith without feistiness (my computer thinks that is not a word, but you know), I thought it best to observe the frailty of our reasoning power. I’ve always been amazed when I hear a good debater utterly convince me of their thesis, yet have the same reaction to the adversary’s counter argument! (I won’t mention the profession that is so good at that). There was a look when I said I didn’t have much FAITH in reason.
Anyway, this occasion set me to thinking, always a dubious exercise. Anyway, here goes. We know what we know from our observations, including physical things, or mathematical models/ scientific abstractions from the observed and such. When we dwell on matters such as the magnitude of the universe, the Big Bang Theory (sounds like creation?), or eternity, our minds kind of warp, don’t they? They don’t seem real; we can’t quite get our minds around them. Why? Well, they are beyond our observed reality. We can’t “imagine” them.
I think the concept of eternity is the most mind-boggling. But either there is or is not eternity. Since everything we can observe changes, has a beginning, a middle and an end,the first reaction is there is no eternity. Then you say, well, if that’s so, how’d it start? Can something come from nothing? Doesn’t sound possible. So that leads to the conclusion that there has to be something that didn’t start, hence always was, an eternal being. Behold Aristotle’s “First Mover” argument as proof of a one and eternal God! Comforting, no?
Yeah, I know, you can poke holes in any argument as mentioned above, but the “First Mover” concept seems a winner to me. Nonetheless, it may well be better to have faith in your FAITH, than faith in your reason!
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Everything we observe has a beginning, a middle, and an end (maybe not taxes). If that’s reality, how’d it start from nothing? So that sounds like, to our minds, since something can’t come from nothing, there must have been something–and not things we can imagine, for everything we know changes, and eternity doesn’t. Behold Aristotle’s proof of the one eternal God, who he called the “First Mover”!
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Jerry Reiner
In Pope Benedict’s controversial 2006 lecture, he referred to the encounter of faith and reason found in the Old and New Testaments. John summed it up brilliantly in his Gospel…in the beginning was the Word (Logos)…. the very mind of God. Benedict challenged his audience to encounter the One in the unfolding encounter between faith and reason.
On its own, reasoning about the origin of the universe has produced some profound theories in the past 100 years. Using Einstein’s relativity theory, mathematicians and cosmologists have pushed science to the edge of philosophy. I find it interesting that one of the intellectual fathers of the “Big Bang” theory was Fr. George Lemaitre. He did see the poetic implication of an understanding of creation but preferred to stand in the “reason” camp when it came to the mathematics and scientific method supporting his theory. It took about 60 years of reasoning to “see” the afterglow of creation in a mircowave receiver in New Jersey.
I must admit that trying to comprehend how something could be created out of nothing is a wonder. But, our universe apparently began from a singularity in which the laws of space/time and matter didn’t exist. It’s so elegant and yet so mysterious.
Left alone, faith without reason can take us down some pretty bizarre roads that can lead to persecutions and holy wars.
But, going back to Pope Benedict, what do we do with the reasoning? Do we accept that fact that the universe is simply a product of a singularity? Are human beings left as bit players in a Albert Camus universe?
I think that “faith” tempers “reason”. I accept that modern reason can challenge traditional notions found in Scripture about creation, cosmology, human behavior etc. but with “faith” we can see the mystery, beauty and value of all creation as a gift from the Father.
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your lenten sacrifice
Stephanie
Have you decided what sacrifices you’ll be making during Lent this year? In deciding what your Lenten plan is, remember that a Lenten sacrifice could mean that you choose to “add something in” rather than “give something up”. One year I chose to do one extra good deed or act of kindness each day – something beyond what I would normally do (a good way for me to be more conscious of others). Another year I chose to add saying the rosary to my daily routine for the duration of Lent (which I was happy to continue long after Easter).
It seems like common sacrifices for Lent are things like sweets, chocolate, or soda. Although I’m not saying there is anything at all wrong with those sacrifices, does giving up something like chocolate bring you into a more intimate relationship with God? Whether it does or it doesn’t, it’s helpful to consider the purpose of the sacrifice. In preparation for Lent, I encourage you to ponder what things you could give up, or maybe add in, which will bring you closer to God and enable you to more faithfully follow His will.
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Jerry Reiner
Giving up something for Lent is the common understanding but the full concept is prayer, fasting and good works. There are lots of opportunities to make a “good” Lent.
Since my spirituality leans towards the “positive”, I prefer to particpate in enrichment programs or read more. For the past two years, I have been active in a Men’s Cornerstone program (not this parish). The actual program takes place the Friday and Saturday before Palm Sunday. Its a wonderful way to begin Holy Week.
By the way, we still have openings for this year and I know men from St. Catherine’s would be made welcome.
This Lent, I await the arrival of my second grandchild so a lot of my prayer life involves prayers of petition for the health of the baby and my daughter and graces for her husband. Also, my first grandson, Gavin, will be Baptized this Lent and that has given me time to reflect on my own Baptismal promises.
I also like to particpate in Operation Rice Bowl. When I’m tempted to buy a snack at work, I put the money in the rice bowl box. Its amazing how this loose change builds.
I read on the internet that Anglican bishops have encouraged believers to lower their carbon foot print or give up their i pods.
With some creativity, I’ve found that Lent won’t get away from me and be a meaningful faith journey.
God bless all here.
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etc. by sarah: kindness
Sarah
“He is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin.”
Luke 6:35
Do you ever become discouraged or maybe even a little annoyed when someone doesn’t say thank you for a good deed done? A kindness showed? God doesn’t, and how many times have we forgotten to thank God for a kindness shown to us?
“In the original language, the word for kindness carries an added idea the English word does not. Chiefly it refers to an act of grace. But it also refers to a deed or person who is ‘useful, serviceable, adapted to its purpose.’ Kindness was even employed to describe food that was tasty as well as healthy. Sounds odd to our ears. But the usage makes sense. Isn’t kindness good AND good for you? Pleasant and practical?”
And you know what? Even if your kindness isn’t acknowledged it’s ok. God sees it and isn’t He really the only one that matters anyway?
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Jerry Reiner
People do matter and an act of simple kindess can plant a seed of hope. On spiritual level, acts of kindness benefit the giver as well. Kind or charitable acts enable us to leave ego behind and draw us in love towards the Lord.
Some reflections by St. Therese of Liseux, the Little Flower.
“On the day of my conversion Charity entered into my heart and with it a yearning to forget self always; thenceforward I was happy.”
“Jesus wills that we give alms to Him as to one poor and needy. He puts Himself as it were at our mercy; He will take nothing but what we give Him from our heart, and the very least trifle is precious in His sight. He stretches forth His Hand, this sweet Saviour, to receive of us a little love, so that in the radiant Day of Judgment He may be able to address to us those ineffable words: “Come, ye blessed of my Father; for I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; sick and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.”
(Matthew 25:34-36).”“I ought to seek the company of those Sisters who according to nature please me least. I ought to fulfill in their regard the office of the Good Samaritan. A word, a kindly smile, will often suffice to gladden a wounded and sorrowful heart.”
“O Jesus! since this sweet flame consumes it I run with delight in the way of Thy new Commandment, and therein will I run until the blessed day when with Thy Virgin train I shall follow Thee through Thy boundless Realm singing Thy New Canticle which must surely be the Canticle of LOVE.”
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Would you have followed?
Stephanie
Last Sunday, we heard the call of Simon the fisherman from the Gospel of Luke. The call of the first disciples is written in Matthew 4:18-22:
“Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.”
One of my favorite songs to sing to my son is “The Summons” which begins: “Would you come and follow me if I but call your name?” I often find the song playing over and over in my head, and I am forced to consider, “Would I have followed Him if I were that fisherman?” I’m afraid that I would not have. I probably would have said, “Naw, not today Jesus, I’ve really got to keep catching the fish, maybe tomorrow when I’ve got a better handle on my work.” Or maybe, “I’d really like to, but I can’t leave my father.” And I think if He had told me He’d make me a fisher of men, I’d probably have said, “Come on, I must be practical, you can’t eat men.”
Even though I’m not that fisherman, I must examine, am I letting my work and worldly, practical concerns get in the way of the call? Do I even hear my name being called? Am I ignoring it? Am I putting Him off until things are more settled, until I have a better handle on my work? Notice that they didn’t just follow Him; they followed IMMEDIATELY and without question. They didn’t say, “Oh hey, hold on, just let me finish fixing this here net.” Or even, “Uh sure, but where are we going?” If I am following, is it immediate? Is it unquestionable, humble obedience? What did they think, leaving everything for Him? They weren’t even sure He was the Messiah. Am I willing to risk everything to follow Him, even when I’m not sure He’s the Messiah? And I must remember, the path of the disciples was not easy, so why would I expect mine to be just because I’m following?
Perhaps these same sorts of questions tug at your heart too. Immediate. Unquestioned. Humble. Obedience. Are you following Him? He’s calling your name.
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Jerry Reiner
I think that this “calling story” can be read on two levels. There is the literal narrative…fisherman called to join Jesus…and something that makes it quite relevant for me as a believer in the 21st century.
When I was a kid, Peter was presented as an icon. He was the “prince of the apostles”, the first pope, and that “rock” upon which the Lord Jesus would build His Church. But, now when I read Scripture, I see Peter and the other apostles as more complicated men and in many ways allegories of our community today. One thing I wouldn’t call them would be humble or obediant.
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, are also called the Sons of Thunder. They got the tuff guy nickname bacause they asked Jesus if they could cast down lighting bolts on a Samaritan village that did not welcome them (Luke 9v54). They openly asked to sit on the right and left of Jesus when the Lord came into his Kingdom (Markv37). Not much humility and questionable obediance in my opinion.
Peter, James and John were with the Lord on Mt. Tabor but even after seeing the transfiguration, they left Jesus to face his death alone.
The disciples argue among themselves about their status (Luke 9v46-50) . Not much humility there either.
They are all so human and so flawed. Just like me.
As an adult, I especially identify with Peter. Peter could be someone who could be filled with God’s grace one moment and denying he even knew His son in the next. In many ways he’s so much like me. Perhaps that could be another way of looking at the “rock” verse. Our encounter with God’s love and our relationship to the Father can run hot and cold. People like me and you make up that foundation of our faith.
So to answer your rhetorical question, I follow the Lord in much the same way the apostles did. I follow Him with feet of clay but still the Lord calls.
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Jerry Reiner 5:40 pm on March 8, 2010 Permalink
Affection for the altar (sanctus bells) fascinates me. I have known more than a few older Catholics who lament the loss of “the bells”. Frankly, I don’t understand what all the fuss is about. A lot of the old customs were left behind in the aggiornameto.
If memory serves, these bells were not rung during Holy Week (perhaps even during the entire season of Lent). Instead a wooden clapper was used. And these signals were really used to wake the congregation up either from sleep or personal devotions. Folks were really disengaged from the Liturgy.
We also left behind things like black vestments at funerals, the somber elements of the rite of Baptism, Extreme Unction (the Last Anointing), no women in the sanctuary, no altar girls, patens, and speaking about a priests consecrated fingers.
But it wasn’t all things lost but things rediscovered. Liturgy became a celebration, music became an important part of that celebration and singing part of our public worship. Girls and women were invited to participate as ministers to the People of God. The Bible ceased to be a Protestant book. So many good and wonderful things happened.
As someone old enough to actually remember the old ways but who grew to maturity in the new, I don’t miss the altar (sanctus) bells. For me they represent a time to which I’d rather not return.
The Liturgy has two parts…the Word and the Eucharist… but they are intrinsically connected. It would be bad practice to come into Liturgy 15 or 20 minutes late simply to hear the bells and see the consecration.
If we look and feel carefully with our hearts, we will not simply be spectators seeing angels gathered around the altar. During the Liturgy, we are the People of God united with the entire Communion of Saints in a timeless celebration of God’s Love. We join with the saints and angels in that one unending chorus…holy holy holy Lord…the Sanctus.
Who needs bells.