Down Under Dysfunction

The Culture of Death had reared its ugly head again. Since it doesn't understand any purpose for suffering, it had decided on its own to eliminate it. And just like the Evil One, it can't see beyond the end of its nose.

She said it was an act of love. Well, the greatest act of love involved suffering. Christ made it redemptive. It now has a purpose.

Why are humans wanting to take the place of God? Ever since Adam and Eve, we still think we know better. Wrong.

(Muscial) Note Of Achievement

The church choir at St. Olaf sings every first, third, and (when applicable) fifth Sundays in the month. As one of the cantors within the group, I usually know well in advance when I will be leading the congregation; in fact, I will undertake that role tomorrow. As I took a good look at this current month, I realized something. It was exactly 22 years ago tonight, at the Vigil Mass of All Souls Day, that I began my vocation in music ministry.

I was a parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church in Sioux City, Iowa. While the church had a standing choir (I chose not to be a member), during the fall an announcement was made in the parish bulletin asking for people who would like to become song leaders. Their function was to rehearse the Responsorial Psalm and other Mass Parts before the start of the liturgy and assist the congregation in "finding their voice" in singing during Mass. Names and availability were gathered; the beginning of November was chosen to provide a good lead time prior to the coming Advent/Christmas Season. Before Mass began, the Director of Music and Liturgy introduced this new ministry. By the grace of God, I was the very first person to stand at the ambo and carry out my duties.

The goal, then and now, is to personify the adage of St. Augustine, "He who sings prays twice." I can only hope my actions in whatever capacity have been fruitful.

St. Gregory the Great, pray for me.

St. Cecilia, pray for me.

All you heavenly choirs of angels, pray for me.

May I truly give glory to God when I sing.

Belated Odometer Check

Sometime toward the end of October 1, my "infinitesimal corner of the universe" received its 20,000 visitor.

Since Sitemeter only allows me to see the last 100 visits, I do not know who this person is.

But, whoever you are, thank you for your viewing, no matter how brief.

I am encouraged to know people still find this somewhat interesting, despite the dearth of posting.

I do still want to continue.

I will.

Borrowed Sorrows

I was planning on doing a post regarding today's feast day.

Julie D. at Happy Catholic saved me the work.

(She does a much better job than I.)

Recalling The Past

It doesn't seem like it was yesterday when I created my first post.

It's been 1,085 yesterdays.

As I mark the beginning of my fourth year in the 'blogosphere, I am blessed to know this infinitesimal corner of the universe still has not been engulfed by the black hole known as the internet.

Because, but for the grace of God, this would be there.

I will keep on keeping on with this.

A few enjoy my musing.

Maybe this coming twelve months there will be more.

More Hallowed Ground

Another memorial recalling the events of this day seven years ago was unveiled this morning.

Another chance to remember.

Another opportunity to continue to petition God that "Thy will be done". With that in mind, here is my list of intentions from the post "Remember Again":

1. The souls of all who died.
2. Those who still mourn.
3. Those who seek a just solution.
4. Forgiveness toward our enemies.
5. Our enemies (didn't Someone command us to do this?).
6. The courage to continue the fight.
7. Peace.

The 'blogosphere will be full of posts about this new Patriots Day. Go visit your favorite 'bloggers and see what they have to say.

No Icon

Add this to the list of art offensive to Christianity.

What is true, good, or beautiful about this?

The curator claimed it was an act of artistic self-expression.

Sometimes it's better to keep one's thoughts to yourself.

So Sue Me?

And you think people in the United States are lawsuit happy.

Lifting The Veil

The Transfiguration of Christ

by Raphael

The synoptic Gospels narrate this event.

The Law and the Prophets are all focused on the Word.

We should be as well.

Numbers Up

This article might make good the phrase, "A baby is proof God wishes the world to continue."

At least we are close to the replacement rate, if not just under it:

Nelson attributes the 2007 numbers to a "perfect storm" of factors: more immigrants having children, professional women who delayed childbearing until their 40s, and larger numbers of women in their 20s and 30s in the population, keeping the fertility rate high. The average number of births per woman was 2.1 in 2006, the highest since 1971.

And one wonders what those numbers would be like if it were not for the attitude the Culture of Death promotes.