"...Going On 17"

 

Here we are again.

It is starting to become familiar to us as individuals and a country--the ceremonies, the tributes, the memorializing. In the places where it happened--New York, NY; Washington, DC; Shanksville, PA--there is more poignancy to the rituals. It is as if we are still returning to "normal" while we are still grieving.

It seems history's most memorable moments are written in blood. So it is with the terrorist attack that claimed 2,996 lives seventeen years ago this day. We have sworn as a nation to "Never Forget" what happened; to this day, we have lived up to our vow.

The images we saw that day and for the next few are still indelible in the country's psyche. Secular icons, yet with an ennobled meaning.

The attacks were a challenge to the core beliefs of the nation. The honor of being the flag bearer for freedom and liberty was insulted. Once again, in my very humble opinion, we defended that honor and those core beliefs against this act of aggression, as we have before. As it is said, "Freedom is not free." In our own way, we pay the price for it and count the cost as nothing.

So once again, as we have in our very recent past, let us remember this day. If there is a tribute in your area, think about attending. This post will be one of many on the 'blogosphere; as always, I encourage you to seek those whose eloquence will far surpass this very humble offering.

Keep in mind the prayer intentions I suggested in 2007 (and updated in 2013). Pray for--

1. The souls of all who died.
2. Those who still mourn.
3. Those who seek a just solution.  (While this may have been accomplished May 1, 2011, have we really solved the problem?)
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.

It is a time to pause, to reflect, and to mourn. It is a time to come together as a nation and remember E pluribus unum. It is a time to firm our resolve to be a beacon of light for the world.

September 2018 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Universal: Young People in Africa. That young people in Africa may have access to education and work in their own countries.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

August 2018 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Universal:  The Treasure of Families. That any far-reaching decisions of economist and politicians may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

A Death-Defying Age

Today is a rather important day in my life.

That's right--I had to get my driver's license renewed.

Besides that task, nothing else matters. Because without this day, nothing could matter.

(Besides having a fraternal twin brother, I also share today's good wishes with another pair of twins, fraternal male cousins who are identical, and a gentleman whom I've met through our association with the Church Music Association of America.)

But this particular birthday holds a significant milestone. As you may recall, my father only lived 56 years and 256 days. The count down now truly begins to see if I "outlive" him. If my calculations are correct, that 257th. day will be March 19, 2019, the feast day of St. Joseph, the patron of a happy death. It would be five days short of what would have been his 84th. birthday. (Thank you, Emily Dickinson.)

(And, yes, I still miss him. Requiescat in pace.)

Every expereince is an opportunity to seek and find God in all things.  Every breath is a moment to be in communion with He Who Is, Who Was, and Who Is To Come. Every heart beat is a way to be in unison with the One Who created, redeemed, and sanctified me. Every day is a chance to "Go Forward". So for the next twelve months, I will continue to learn in earnest to count my blessings, especially the one of just existing.

Each day should be a gift.

After all, isn't is why it's call the present?

July 2018 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Evangelization:  Priests and their Pastoral Ministry. That priests, who experience fatigue and loneliness in their pastoral work, may find help and comfort in their intimacy with the Lord and in their friendship with their brother priests.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

June 2018 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Universal: Social Networks. That social networks may work towards that inclusiveness which respects others for their differences.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

May 2018 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Evangelization: The Mission of the Laity. That the lay faithful may fulfill their specific mission, by responding with creativity to the challenges that face the world today.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

2018 Easter Card

May our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ fill you with peace, joy, and love.
May the Lamb of God Who has taken away the sins of the world bless you abundantly.
May the Light of the World and the Word made Flesh reign over you as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

He Is Risen! He Is Risen, Indeed!"

Happy Easter, Everybody!

April 2018 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

For those who have responsibility in Economic Matters:  That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths.

A reflection for this intention is found here.

A Fire Into Many Flames

In a previous post, I attempted to make a connection between Christmas and Easter using a text from the prophet Isaiah. (Your mileage may vary depending on how insightful you thought I was. Remember, my theological musings are as infinitesimal as this 'blog.) However, going where angels fear to tread (out of fear they would be a laughingstock), I shall again look toward some parallelism.

So, let us compare and contrast again the openings of Mass of the Feast of the Nativity:  Mass During the Night with the Easter Vigil liturgy.

The Church is plunged into darkness at the start of both, reminding us of the darkness of sin that has overcome the world via the "happy fault" of Adam. The Light of the world must be brought forth so we may be able to see again. And so it is, although in very different measure.

At the Christmas Mass a statue of the Christ Child is processed to the creche, the way illuminated only by the light of candles from the faithful. The introit "Dominus Dixit" (if Gregorian chant is used) and/or "Adeste Fideles/O Come, All Ye Faithful" fills the air as the "Gloria" of the angels originally did. At the Easter Vigil the Pascal Candle is processed to the ambo, the way illuminated only by the light of the candles from the faithful. "The light of Christ./Thanks be to God" fills the air (although I wonder if "Alleluia" rang out in Heaven upon His Resurrection).

But, you ask, from where did the original flame for the candles come? At Christmas there is no specific or special ritual. The Vigil, however, provides one. Perhaps symbolizing the first command from God in ordering creation, a fire is lit and blessed. This is use to light the Pascal Candle after it has been prepared. That flame is then passed to the candles used in the congregation.

And so the Light of the world, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of God, appears on earth. At Christmas, He came from a womb; at Easter, a tomb. At Christmas, His Glory was "veiled in flesh"; at Easter,  "flesh" was glorified. At Christmas, it was the beginning of our redemption; at Easter, its culmination.

In our unending joy, we give thanks and praise for this marvelous work of His hands.

The Exsultet "sounds aloud our mighty King's triumph".

The text of this prayer, in both Latin and English, is provided for your meditation.