Extraordinary Form Mass - TONIGHT: Anchorage, Alaska

the quest

As many of you know, I am currently "Out of the Office" on a hiatus. I know I am a little cryptic, but there are reasons for that. That being said, I have been quite spiritually thirsty... even more so then normal. My routine has been chaotic, my spiritual needs have been but quite low on the priority list, and I just haven't had the encounters with the Sacred that I need. The worst part is, I am not even really in the Desert  that I have been in for the last year or so.

extraordinary...

Tonight... I am going to attempt to attend to those needs. I am going to be going to an Extraordinary Form Mass tonight, a Tridentine Rite aka Mass in the usus antiquior. It has been quite a while, since about March of this year. In fact... I almost forgot how to spell usus antiquior. I really need this... I am giddy and excited. Unfortunately I am going alone... my wife and I are still apart from one another. (Don't worry my hiatus has nothing to do with "US"; it is job related.

preparing for the encounter

So I am fasting... and praying. I don't have my Missal... so tonight will be about one thing, and one thing only. Opening my heart to the Worship of God. Whatever I intake tonight... will be from the Holy Spirit. What is really nice is that tomorrow I will be at the same church for the Red Mass. There are just times when one thirsts so much... and needs spiritual drink... hopefully mind will come this evening.

Pray for me... as I pray for you and all the Church.

Sheep in the midst of wolves

"Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.
But beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.
When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say.
For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. -Matthew 10:16-20

setting the record straight

.:|.

A recent post of mine: Finding Help drew a lot of comments, many of which were words of encouragement and I wanted to thank folks for that. That being said, I am not downtrodden or dismayed. I am not surprised at the situation, or fearful of the environment. God has told us... that it will not be pretty out there. When he commanded the disciples to go out... he told them that he was sending them as "...sheep in the midst of wolves. So too, should we expect to "...face the wolves."

I want my readers to know that I am not dismayed. I do not think that I have it bad. In fact, quite the opposite. God called us to Alaska. We know that, or we wouldn't be here. He also seems to be calling us to stay, we hope that otherwise we are foolish for what we are doing. In fact, even in the face of a difficult liturgical and parish situation, we have found some of the most amazing friends and people that we could ever hope to meet. We have been asking ourselves what does God want to use us for? How can God make good happen by us being here? We are not asking...what good will come to us by being here? We want to serve Him. We are much less concerned with being served.

in the face of lions

.|:.

It is daunting as a Catholic to expect that we are not only to live our lives according to the faith, but in such dire conditions such as the culture we currently live in. On top of that, we are also to face enemies... that often appear to be friends, but are in fact wolves in sheep's clothing. How then can we expect to survive, let alone thrive?

Well, I know I thrive on situations like this. Some people call sky-divers, bungee-jumpers, and other extremists: adrenaline junkies. I would like to think of myself, and of my family as God's-will junkies. We thrive and get a rush from trusting in God in the most extreme and nerve-wracking of situations. Now, I want to clarify that we don't go out looking for trouble, but much like the picture of Daniel to the right, we focus our attention on what is important when we do find ourselves in precarious looking situations. (Dan. 14:32-42)

Isn't that what we are called to do? Are we not supposed to trust in God? As I said in previous post, "sure, I would love some help and guidance" but I know that doesn't always come in the form of another human. I know that our help comes from the Lord, I know that he will guide us and keep us safe. I am not worried. The world can kill our bodies, but not kills our souls.

A song of ascents. I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From where will my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.
God will not allow your foot to slip; your guardian does not sleep.
Truly, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps.
The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade at your righthand.
By day the sun cannot harm you, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will guard you from all evil, will always guard your life.
The LORD will guard your coming and going both now and forever. -Psalm 121 

the reason

.:|.

Many of you probably want to know why I wrote that post then, in that way? Well... I do feel that way but at the same time I feel this way. I don't think that the two are mutually exclusive, in fact, I think they are common competing thoughts and feelings that people have in the face of adversity. To say that Daniel never feared the jaws, that David looked down on the giant, or that anyone in the face of danger doesn't pause out of self-preservation doesn't understand the gravity, nor the bravery that accompany the commitment of trusting God in the "...midst of the wolves."

Recently, this blog, and a few others, have been "discussed" by some folks in somewhat public forums. We have been accused of being various things, none of which are very commendable. We take that seriously, at least I do. That isn't the intent of this blog. Does it happen? I hope not. Could some posts be perceived that way? I guess. I don't really know how people perceive my blog or my intentions. I try and state things in an honest, sincere and transparent way; I try to mean what I say. I am not perfect, and the Internet is not a perfect medium.

What is most surprising though is that those that speak out against myself, and other bloggers, is that these people never directly confront us. They often use the same means and methods that we do, and yet accuse us of being somehow malicious. It is perplexing at best. I would love direct communication from others. It doesn't have to be public either. I post my email address at the top of the blog. If you read my blog you cannot possibly miss my email. I have never received an email from someone challenging me on my posts; but I have indirectly received quite a few notices about others using facebook, gatherings, and other means to address what has been posted on this blog . Again, this is perplexing at best.

what I am not... and what I have not done

.:|.

I am not a perfect Catholic. Far from it. In fact, I don't know where I fit... as I have never really had any direction or formation. I don't profess to be perfect either, in fact I profess to be quite a poor one really. I don't judge other peoples hearts. I don't know their intentions nor do I pretend to know every ones motives. I can't say who will or won't go to heaven, who is or isn't a good Catholic or anything of the sort. Although, we can and should judge actions; be our brother's keeper. (Gen. 4:9) We learned as much in Mass recently. That doesn't mean that when we judge an action... we simultaneously judge that heart. Instead, we should judge an act and pray for the heart.

Again, I find it perplexing, that others would accuse us of being malicious in what we do as bloggers and yet are unwilling to discuss our blogs with us. We are willing to put our thoughts, ideas, and livelihoods out there in a very static and concrete way. Unlike spoken word, my words are immortalized on the interwebs the second I publish my post. I have the luxury of thinking and praying about it before hand, but the clarity that comes from scrutiny of the words comes post facto. Therefore, to attack what I say but to do so without giving me any reply or recourse is... as I said, perplexing. Aren't such attacks guilty of the same thing we are being accused of (albeit falsely) doing? Are not assumptions made about our intentions and our hearts when one judges the motives behind our posts?

I continue to pray everyday for our Church. I pray for the Bishops and priests that have the unenviable task of guiding us all through this tumultuous landscape of war, fear, attack, and disobedience. I pray for their courage and willingness to settle in our hearts and souls these things which trouble us. I pray for the Nuns and Religious that pray for the Church in unrelenting hope and faith. I pray that they not loose confidence nor loose their way.

In conclusion I must state that we will not relent here. We continue to be inspired by the overwhelming support of those readers, lay and clergy alike, that ensure us that our testimony and defense of the faith is worth continuing. We know that the Devil will fight hardest and send his strongest legion of demons upon us when we are closest to truth and victory. We expect the attack, we prepare for the fight, and we place our safekeeping in the hands of our Guardian Angels. We fear not, for the Lord has commanded us. (Joshua 1:9)

We do not foolishly think that it is our doing or our efforts which embolden and inspire you all as readers. We know that it is not us that speak but... "...the Spirit of our Father that speaks through us."

Finding help

To whom do we turn?

·°•·

As Catholics, in whom should we seek counsel? If we are not in an area where we can get a spiritual director, where do we turn? Who do we seek for counsel? What if there is no one? God is there, yes... but in what person to we entrust our thoughts, concerns, worries, confusion, and spiritual health?

Many people accuse bloggers of being holier than thou or casting rocks at others as "less than, Catholics"... but for myself, and many others, that simply isn't true. Many bloggers I know are so torn with pain inside... that this is their only outlet. It is horrifically difficult to be a Catholic in today's world. Try having a conversation with other Catholics about birth control, homosexuality, or even the idea of using latin at Mass. You will be vilified, yelled at, and de-friended. Try seeking counsel in Church leadership regarding veils, kneeling, confession, or explanation regarding traditional practices... you may be corrected, brushed-off, ignored, or outcast. Use words like, hell, Satan, spiritual warfare, battle against evil, or weapons of the faith... you will be laughed at, yelled at, and cast-off as extreme and archaic. 

If this happens... to where, or to whom do we turn?

casting stones

·•°·

I was asked the other day by a friend if I receive negative comments on my blog. For the most part I do not... I am humble enough to know that most people wouldn't waste their time correcting my foolishness, my brazenness, my outlandish comments, my ignorance, or my unfortunate uncharitable judgments. Then they asked me why I blog, and I answered them.

"It is my spiritual outlet. I live where I don't have a spiritual director, regular confessor, or even a pastor to discuss things with. I have no ministries, no groups, and almost no avenues to actively participate in functions of the Faith. If I had a men's group... I would need to make one less post a week. If there was a young adults group, a theology on tap, a bible study, or any type of ministries or apostolates at our parish... I wouldn't need to make a lot of my posts.

They say God gives us everything that we need. He gave me the idea to blog. I am not perfect at it... nor am I close. But since I have no one to guide me personally... this becomes my guide. The friend then asked how it improves me as a Catholic... or spiritually, especially if I make mistakes or accuse others of faults? That questions was hard... but then it came to me: maybe I am meant to make mistakes... so that others with correct me, and thereby guiding me on a path closer to God. Maybe one day, a priest will get so fed up reading my heretical mistakes and rants... that he will be convinced that he must correct me and guide me. I continue to pray.

seeking truth

·°•·

I don't want to seem ungrateful. God is good and provides me with this avenue of learning and faith. I am not always right. Sure I write with an authoritative attitude sometimes, but when one believes something, they should be convicted. I try and espouse the teachings of the Church, and not simply my opinion of it. My opinion shouldn't matter, and neither should yours. What matters is the truth... that which we should all be seeking... constantly. 

But how do we know the Truth? How can we discern what we should do in life to live the Truth of God, given to us as the Word made flesh? Where do we find help...to find God?

The world is attacking us constantly, and we, along with our Guardian Angels, are locked in spiritual warfare with an enemy hell bent on destroying our souls and damning us forever in a lake of fire. You would hope that there might be someone out there to guide you... but who is that person? Where do we find them? Whom do we trust.

I pray... that I find that help.

St. Monica & St. Ambrose ~ Ora Pro Nobis

The Death of St. Monica

Stellar exemplars

I often cry out for Spiritual Direction. I have been praying to find a SD for a few years now. I have even prayed whether or not I should re-do RCIA or some formal Catechesis. Yet, I have not appealed to those who have had so much recourse with God in the past.

Today, on her feast, I plead for the intercession of St. Monica. I also ask that St. Ambrose pray for me... that I may find my direction and ultimately find a true conversion of heart to the Truth.

"There was indeed one thing for which I wished to tarry a little in this life, and that was that I might see you a Catholic before I died. My God hath answered this more than abundantly, so that I see you now made His servant and spurning all earthly happiness. What more am I to do here?" Augustine: Confessions, book 9, chapter 10

Baptism of St. Augustine by St. Ambrose

I thirst...

~~~

Wandering

As I woke up this morning... I found myself spiritually somewhere rather shocking. I can't really place my finger on how and why I got here... but I am here. I will embrace the path God has me on and not run from it. Where would could I go, anyway?

Spiritual Direction

I have never had a spiritual director. I have never really had any formal Catechetical formation. (I had three months of once a week RCIA & 3 years of Catholic law school.) I honestly have learned most of my faith from my wife, her family, my family (who were not practicing Catholics), and the Catholic Blog-o-phere. I am not joking.

God's Will

I am at one of those points in life where it seems as if God said: "I'll call you right back..." and you just sit there "waiting by the phone." I know He is going to call, and I know when He does, there is going to be some awesome news forthcoming, but the minutes turn to hours. (In this case the days are turning to months).  I know that God's will should be done, and not my own. That isn't the matter. It is the patience that is the matter... and I am not well trained in this virtue.

Friends and Family

I am lucky... I have people praying for me. My family and friends are dear in this regard. I know that this wandering is temporary. I plan to learn from it. I plan to grow. I am trying to accept this as a learning opportunity and not as punishment.

Defend Us this day in our daily battle...

Over at Vivificat, Fr. Nicolas Schwizer asks: "Does the Devil Really Exist?"

But the ultimate question for mankind today is…..does the devil exist as a person or not? As it is, modern man and inclusively the modern Christian man hardly even believes in the devil. The devil has been able to succeed today with his best maneuver: to put his existence in doubt.

...

The inhabitants of hell seek to counterattack the power and the dominion of God. And because they cannot confront God directly, they do it indirectly. They try to take from Him his favorite creation on earth: man.

Thus, each one of us is a battlefield where the good and the bad confront each other…..the divine forces and the diabolic forces.

Who would deny such a reality? None of us would be so naïve to believe that we would be free from that permanent struggle. Each one of us experiences this tension, this conflict in his/her own body and in his/her own soul. We become aware that a strong being works in us and wants to impose his will on us and we need another stronger being to liberate us.

Questions for reflection 

1. Do I really believe in the activity of the Devil?

2. Am I aware of the battle that takes place within me?

3. Do I know my weak point where the Devil attacks me most?

You really should read the entire piece. He makes very good points, but the one that I want to focus on is the idea that we shouldn't, although many if not most do, ignore the fact that the devil exists and that the battlefield is us.

I don't think spiritual warfare, the devil, and the spiritual realm should be taken lightly. I also don't think folks should mettle in it without first protecting themselves in various ways. But like it or not, the spiritual battle for our souls is upon us whether we want it to be or not.

We must continually ask ourselves the three reflection questions above, and make sure that we not only know the answers, but that we know how to correct any problems within such answers.

Quiet

A few posts back I asked for your prayers of discernment. Knowing where one will live, and the type of employment one will have is a nerve-racking thing. It can drive the most faithful man to despair and doubt. That being said, what scares me the most is the idea that I will slink from God. That I will somehow pick my own selfish and filthy desires over God's will. I am afraid I will sneak into the silence, and hide myself from God, for I will be ashamed. (Gen. 8:3)

~•][•~

What causes fear? What is the sin? Is it pride? What causes good men to be fearful of doing what is right? How can leaders, priests, bishops, and the faithful turn their minds, hearts, and eyes away from God and distort His Word? Was not pride the catalyst of original sin? Did not the devil merely question the surpreme  authority of God just prior to his expulsion from the presence of God and Heaven?

~•][•~

Do they not crucify and martyr the loud? Are not the quiet safe and offered reprieve? It is the loud, the boisterous, the brave that are struck down. The gallant and the bold become lion food, and willing martyrs. The quiet gain earthly reward, and eternal torment. The quiet gain the entire world, but lose their life. (Mk. 8:36)

~•][•~

Why are so many Catholics today wanting to keep quiet? Why is audacity and bravery cast aside in all instances in the name of "charity, prayer, and patience?" Why do we allow ourselves and those we trust to deny God? Why has the will of God been replaced by the will of men? Why do we search for peace when we are told that we should expect a sword? (Mt. 10:34)

~•][•~

God says kneel and we sit, he says bow and we stand. Why do we deny God, simply to make peace with our brothers and sisters? When will we take up our Cross? Why does God sit upon the altar, alone, naked and cold? When will God become more important than our jobs, homes, and even our family? (Mt. 10:37). How come a "quiet and kind" priest is seen as pious, but one that teaches and instructs in the way of the lord is condemned and persecuted? Why will we follow any man who will lead us, wherever he may go? When will we stop being quiet and raise our voices?

I never intend, God being my good Lord, to pin my soul to another man's back, not even the best man that I know this day living; for I know not where he may hap to carry it."

Saint Thomas More ~ To his daughter, while in prison - 1534

(N.B.: Check out the synchronicity...Cleansing Fire)

The Rosary is a weapon

I was talking with a friend around here the other day and they explained how happy they are that we have been saying the Rosary as friends more. They told me that they feel like it is a powerful "weapon" against what has been plaguing us in our area. [Don't get me wrong there is a lot of good in our local parishes, but our culture is ROTTEN and it pervades every parish on earth... none are immune.] His word of choice was "weapon," his, not mine. I thought about it, and I know I use that term for it... but it shocked me a little to hear this person, use that term. Again, his word, not mine. So I looked up who else describes it as such.

Here is a quick list:

• St. Padre Pio
• Fr. John Corapi
• St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort
• Pope Pius XI
• Saint Josemaria Escriva

We are talking some big hitters there, and they use the same term for it. But is this just fantastical wording to invoke passion and meant to incite people? I don't think so. But if this Sacramental is really a weapon, why don't people treat it as such? Why do people fear the Rosary or discount it as "simply a prayer?" Is it not something that should be recited at every opportunity? Should it not be promoted and encouraged by our fellow faithful? Should we not use it at every available instance? Should we not revere and respect it the same way we respect and revere our guns?

Well, that doesn't seem to be the case around here. Recently a group was told they could not recite the Rosary at a certain time, one in which it is traditionally said. 

It was so disturbing to hear this... but then again, the enemy is within, isn't he?

Pray the Rosary... pray it at every opportunity. The devil never rests.

Ecclesia Militans

I wanted to write this post now, for the record. I wanted to make sure that I kept honest account of my understanding.

I have just cracked open: Exorcism and the Church Militant. I have heard the reviews... from both sides, I need to find out for myself. I know books inspire, challenge, disappoint, confuse, change, and refine thought, and so I wanted to memorialize what I think and believe now... for better or worse.

I have always understood that we are all part of the Ecclesia Militans - Church Militant. I just didn't know how hard the struggle really would be, especially from inside forces. The further we plunge ourselves into this battle, the closer we get to our promised victory. We must do so though, with contrite hearts, pure intention, and for God's sake and not our own.

~]]]~[[[~

The book opens with a forward by Father Corapi, and he concludes that forward with a quote from the Office of Readings, Common of Several Martyrs [originally written by Saint Cyprian]:

We are warriors now, fighting on the battlefield of faith, and God
sees all we do;
the angels watch and so does Christ.
--What honor and glory and joy to do battle in the presence of God,
and to have Christ approve our victory.


Let us arm ourselves in full strength
and prepare ourselves for the ultimate struggle
with blameless hearts, true faith and unyielding courage.
--What honor and glory and joy to do battle in the presence of God,
and to have Christ approve our victory.

I have known all along that this struggle would take pure heart, true faith, and a courage that could only come from God. It is not a joy, but an honor to fight in this battle... and it isn't for fame, pride, or glory. It is for God alone, because he asks us to, and because he secured the victory for us. We must accept this... not as rhetoric, but as unrealized potential. This isn't a fantastical or emotional plea, this is a discussion about eternal life or eternal death.

There is no turning back, there is only wimping out. Pretending away evil and the struggle, make it no less real; it is only in our own minds that it ceases to be if we pretend that it doesn't exist. Imagining and constructing ways in which to deny the existence of this struggle and our enemy is not an intellectual pursuit of the truth, it is a lie we tell ourselves out of pride and fear. Like the fearful pupil, we so often choose to expend an exorbitant amount of energy devising a scheme to relieve ourself from our task. When instead we have the tools before us and our effort towards their mastery and use would serve us much better, but our fear of failure and demise at the hands of our own self and our inadequacy, we choose not to put forth the effort.

There is so little to fear in the end, for rest assured, we become the Ecclesia Triumphans, God promises us that. But we must first enter the battle! Victory is assured, but only to those who follow the commands of God.

4-yo dies in... Korean Shaman "Exorcism" ?

Here is an odd little story that I found floating around the inter-tubes:

4-Year-Old Boy Dies During Exorcism
15 July 2010
The Moscow Times

A 4-year-old boy sickened with pneumonia died in the Primorye region after being made to participate in an exorcism by a Korean shaman, news reports said Wednesday.

The parents of the child asked shaman So Dyavor, 59, and her husband, Kim Sende, 62, to perform a ritual to exorcise “evil spirits” that they believed were plaguing him, the local news web site Primamedia.ru reported.

The child stopped breathing during the ritual in the local village of Sergeyevka on Saturday.

No traces of violence were found on the boy's body, and forensic pathologists on Wednesday had not established what killed him.

It remains possible that the boy's pneumonia was the cause of his death, a police spokesman told RIA-Novosti.

The tabloid Tvoi Den identified the boy as Dmitry Kazachuk and said he arrived in Sergeyevka with a delegation of relatives that included his mother, aunt, uncle and grandmother.

The family intended to request help for the grandmother, who has diabetes, but So Dyavor told them that the entire family was jinxed and the boy had put a curse on them, the report said.
Nobody was present in the room when the shaman performed the exorcism on the boy, it said, without commenting on the role of So Dyavor's husband in the incident.

The local branch of the Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case into suspected negligent homicide, which is punishable with up to three years in prison, but has not charged anyone.

I don't know what to think about this, it is hard to say what "really" happened, but I think it is safe to say this is a good example of why "Exorcisms" and spiritual meddling is not to be taken lightly, or done by just anyone. Evil is real. Satan is real. Once you start messing with the spiritual realm, there really is no easy way out.

Guardian Angels

Came across Mac's most recent post over at Mulier Fortis: Angels & Demons. Had to comment a little on something that Mac brings up: We need, MUST, pray to our Guardian Angels MORE!

We know that we have Angels entrusted to our protection because God says it is so:

Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. -Matthew 18:10

In the Catena Aurea we learn that the Church Fathers understood this verse to mean exactly what it says, that we all have a Guardian Angel, given by God to us, to protect and guide us to union with the same Christ, our Lord.

JEROME; High dignity of souls, that each from its birth has an Angel set in charge over it!


CHRYS; Here He is speaking not of any Angels, but of the higher sort; for when He says, Behold the face of my Father, He shows that their presence before God is free and open, and their honor great.


GREG; But Dionysus says, that it is from the ranks of the lesser Angels that these are sent to perform this ministry, either visibly or invisibly, for that those higher ranks have not the employment of an outward ministry.


ID; And therefore the Angels always behold the face of the Father, and yet they come to us; for by a spiritual presence they come forth to us, and yet by internal contemplation keep themselves there whence they come forth; for they come not so forth from the divine vision, as to hinder the joys of inward contemplation.


HILARY; The Angels offer daily to God the prayers of those that are to be saved by Christ; it is therefore perilous to despise him whose desires and requests are conveyed to the eternal and invisible God, by the service and ministry of Angels.


AUG; Or; They are 'called our Angels who are indeed the Angels of God; they are Gods because they have not forsaken Him; they are ours because they have begun to have us for their fellow-citizens. As they now behold God, so shall we also behold, Him face to face, of which vision John speaks, We shall see him as he is. For by the face of God is to be understood the manifestation of Himself, not a member or feature of the body, such as we call by that name.

•Source 

They are so very important to us, and are entrusted with our care and protection. They are more than simply a "good voice" in times of temptation:

The ministry of these Guardian Angels consists: 1st, in warding off dangers to body and soul, 2nd, in preventing Satan's suggesting evil thoughts, and in removing occasions of sin and helping us to overcome temptation; 3rd, in enlightening and instruction us and fostering in us holy thoughts and pious desires; 4th, in offering to God our prayers and in praying for us; 5th in correcting us if we sin; 6th, in helping us in the agony of death, in strengthening and comforting us; 7th, in conducting our souls to heaven, or to purgatory to console us there. It is thus our Guardian Angles watch over us, keep us, lead us. They see in their charges, souls of priceless value sine they were redeemed by the Blood of a God. 

•Source; p. 33

The existence and help of the Angels is more than mere superstion, or some children's tale. Angels are real. We must seek their companionship, and allow for their protection and guidance.  Although God entrusts them to us, that does not mean they have unfettered access to our hearts and minds.

Although they cannot penetrate the inner sanctuary of human hearts which God has reserved for Himself, they do all they can to help us. However, it is in our power by an act of our free will to expose our intimate thoughts to our angelic companion. And it is to our advantage for such confidence in his enlightened guidance is of great benefit to our soul. After God and our Blessed Mother, he is surely our best friend, and if we really love him, we will have no secrets to hide from him. "We do not sensibly perceive him. We hear no whispered warning in our ear. Our hands cannot touch him nor our eyes look up to him. Yet invisibly he is with us. From the first moment of life he guards us and he will not have completed his task until as we trust, we shall gaze with him in glory on the Vision of God."

So pray to your Guardian Angel. Pray to ALL the Angels, Archangels and choirs of of Angels. As for their protection, guidance, prayers, and support.

CREDO quod sis angelus sanctus, a Deo omnipotente ad custodiam mei deputatus. Propterea peto, et per illum qui te ad hoc ordinavit, humiliter imploro, ut me miseram fragilem atque indignam semper et ubique in hac vita custodias, protegas a malis omnibus atque defendas, et cum Deus hinc animam meam migrare iusserit, nullam in eam potestatem daemonibus habere permittas, sed tu eam leniter a corpore suscipias, et in sinu Habrae suaviter usque perducas iubente ac iuvante creatore ac salvatore Deo nostro, qui est benedictus in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Hold fast til the break of daylight

This post was originally really long.
It was also very disconnected. [Which of my posts aren't, right?]
So instead of a mental version of goulash, here is a pop-Christian song... that says what I am thinking and feeling; I hope?

The Vortex: Total War

This program is from RealCatholicTV.com

Another compelling video from the RCTv crew.

"There is a terrible vast army arrayed against the Catholic Church."

"You fight shoulder to shoulder with angel warriors and saints crowned with gold."

"[The Saints of Heaven]...how they must long to join us in this fight; these are glorious days, days of TOTAL WAR and the victory for us in assured."

The world HATES you...

Then the dragon became angry with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring, those who keep God's commandments and bear witness to Jesus. It took its position on the sand of the sea. - Apocalypse 12:17

We are at WAR. This is not puffery. Our souls, and the souls of those that we love are in mortal peril and they are under constant ATTACK from the Devil. After reading Terry Nelson's latest post over at Abbey Roads, I had to post about it. He nails home so many points that I harp on at this blog, and I am glad to see someone else taking up the same flag. Unfortunately, he is also right on another point: that many Catholics today do not really believe in things like spiritual warfare, the peril of souls, of even the Devil himself. He sums it up this way:

Today, when there is such an emphasis upon peace and justice, some Catholics do not like using the terms, spiritual warfare, combat, battle, or always hearing phrases such as 'we are at war' and so on. Yet that is what the Christian life has always been, it is a struggle - an intense, knock down, drag out fight, a very real spiritual combat: To quote St. Paul,

Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power.
Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.
For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. ~~Ephesians 6:10-12

He is so right! Just the other day in my parish there was a discussion about what theme will be used for the parish-wide Catechesis program. The choices were: Prayer & Spirituality, Morality, and Justice (ie Peace & Social Justice). The overwhelming response was: Justice. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but most people felt that the #1 issue facing our Church today was not the lack of prayer and spirituality, or morality, but a lack of Justice. The other parish in the area... facing the same question picked: Justice.

Don't get me wrong, I think these are worthy and important areas of Catholic teaching and belief, but I just wonder how that can be the number one issue facing us as Catholics. As a Church we are at War with the culture, the homosexual priestly abuse crisis, the lack of vocations, the 'progressive modernization' of our faith, the feminist agenda, the corruption of our children, the culture of death, the onslaught of pornography and infidelity, the debasement of our Sacred traditions and symbols; and we as a people cry for social justice for the oppressed. Who exactly are the oppressed? Aren't we as Catholics oppressed? Or worse yet, are we not HUNTED? If the world and our culture are consuming folks and it is unjust, what is the best avenue to combat this? When people are held captive and imprisoned how to we best free them from the shackles?

Reading an article over at Sancte Pater, one of, if not the, leading exorcists in the Vatican says that more needs to be done in the War against the Devil:

The Catholic Church's most famous exorcist says more should be done to fight the devil. Father Gabriele Amorth has conducted 70,000 exorcisms for the church during his lengthy career.

In an interview with Italian daily, Corriere Della Sera, the 85-year-old priest said it would be worth extending the practice of exorcism.

"It would not be a bad idea," he told the daily. "In Italy moral decay is evident. Families are often breaking down.

"Do you know what I would do if I was the Pope for a moment?" he asked. "I would provide every opportunity for exorcisms. Like the Orthodox Church. There you do not need the permission of a bishop."

Social justice will only come when the forces of evil, the purveyors of injustice are defeated. We MUST PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD if we have ANY chance to defend ourselves in this battle. Therefore, if we go out there, looking for justice and peace, and we do not possess the ARMOR OF GOD, we are thrusting ourselves, defenseless, into WAR. A true, honest to GOD, WAR! We must treat our world and culture in this way, or we are being nothing but foolish and naive. Therefore we must arm ourselves with Truth, Morality, Love, and walk in the Commandments of God... prior to going into battle. We cannot seek Justice without those things. We can not and must not enter into battle weaponless. So how do we arm ourselves?

Terry Nelson suggests:

...begin to pray - to really pray - prepare yourself for trials. Whenever you embark upon anything good in the spiritual life, the combat begins. Sometimes that can be a sign to "do even more" as St. Paul says. Frequent Mass and the sacraments - especially confession. And use sacramentals - especially wearing Our Lady's livery: The Scapular of Mt. Carmel along with the shield of the Miraculous Medal, and keep the very best weapon of the Rosary with you at all times. These are tools, weapons, Our Lady herself has given to her children through the saints. These are not foolish devotions or superstitious.

The Devil is real, like it or not. As a Catholic you must believe not only that he is real but also that he seeks the eternal damnation of your soul, his only chance at victory, albeit already foretold and written, is to seek the ruin of as many souls as possible. Your soul is no safer than anyone else... you are NOT GUARANTEED Heaven... unless you do that which is required of you by GOD. Social Justice is an honorable, worthy, and important goal. Yet, it cannot simply occur through the good intentions of the faithful. We all know what road is paved with good intentions. We must actively defend ourselves, our souls, and the souls of those around us.

We must be counter-cultural. We must strike against culture, against 'the world', and against evil. I heard a teen say the other day that they come to Mass and learn the faith, and love the faith but have a hard time knowing how to live it out each day. This is honestly a good thing... they realize that there is a incongruity between the world and Catholicism. We are not made for the world, we are not made for its culture, its riches and gold. We are made for GOD and we should seek Heaven. Our religion is surely about love... but love does not only mean lollipops and gum-drops. Sometimes love is a battle... and the greatest love is to lay down your life for another. This isn't always in physical death, but sometimes 'death' comes in another form.

As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.
"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.

You are my friends if you do what I command you.

I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another.
"If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.
If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you.
-John 15:9-19

The world HATES you. Say itout loud right now... 'The World Hates ME!'

Then... repeat the promise from the start of this section: "As the Father loves Jesus, so also will I be loved. If I keep the commandments of God, I will remain in HIS LOVE." What more could we ask for? But as I have said in this post, it will not come easy... we are at WAR.

So we must stand firm and resolute in our desire to keep the commandments of God. We must put on the ARMOR OF GOD. We must arm ourselves with the weapons of the faith: the Rosary, the Scapular, and Medals. We must spiritually fight through prayer and meditation. We must seek Social Justice and Peace for people and not for the world. It takes great strength and courage to be a Catholic in today's world... and yet it has always been such. If you need inspiration... look to any CHILD Saint that was ready willing and able to DIE for their faith. Can we even FATHOM THAT? No wonder we don't like phrases such as "SPIRITUAL WARFARE." I wonder if Spiritual War will chip my nails, muddy my gym shoes, or ruin my designer handbag?

Again, I have no problem with seeking Social Justice... I just do not believe we can bring about that type of change unless we are truly willing to enter the war. Our faith and our souls are under constant attack. Justice will not be served until we can protect and preserve the souls of those that seek and follow Christ. The only way we can do that is if we are willing to take up arms against the enemy, put on the Armor of God and Defend our FAITH in battle!

Your Focus for Lent?

Many of us "give up" something, "give something", and/or pray in a new way. These obviously are the ways in which we Pray, Fast, and do Penance.

Yet, I have also chosen to do these things in a combined manner in my SPIRITUAL life. For example, my Lenten "Work" is to work on my spiritual "pride." Many of us that are converts, reverts, or traditionalists struggle with this. We mentally criticize at Mass, we blog about "Spirit of VII'ers", or something else that causes us to be prideful.

So I am working on this... THROUGH my Lenten works.

How about you? What are you working on.....

-Posted by: Joe

Archbishop Chaput urges Catholics: 'Fight Satan'

A recent article from CNA regarding a talk and Q&A session by Abp. Chaput of Denver [He is one of my favorite American Catholic Priests]:

My emphasis in bold, my comentary in red:

Rome, Italy, Jan 28, 2010 / 04:28 am (CNA).- Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver followed his keynote address to the Emmanuel Community of Rome's conference on "Priests and Laity in the Mission" with a short reflection on the "disappointing times" he is experiencing.  He also elaborated on a major theme of his talk—the reality of Satan and the importance of "spiritual combat."

Just before launching into a question and answer session, Archbishop Chaput gave a reflection on his years as a bishop to stimulate discussion, saying, "I thought that after 20 years more of my life things would change and things would be a lot better but I don't think they are.

"I think we live in disappointing times, in times of confusion, and in some ways that is the result of our failure to understand that we have an enemy in the Devil, but also we have enemies in the world around us." [One of my favorite sayings is: The greatest trick the devil ever pulled, was convincing the world that he did not exist.]

He pointed to a "great talk" from an American Protestant pastor he once heard which was titled "We preach as though we don't have enemies," and reflected that this sentiment "is true in the United States... .”

"I think it's important to understand the we are in a battle, we really do live in a time of spiritual combat and I think we've lost that sense of the Church," Archbishop Chaput stated. [I wish I could just turn my blog over to Abp. Chaput, I think this is the most critical thing we face in this country as both Catholics and Americans.]

He continued with a comparison of the temptation we face to be like "everyone else" like the Israelites from the Old Testament wishing for a king like the other nations.  They wanted a king ... they got Saul and he was a good man, and then he became a politician and he lost his faith.  We're just like that."

"In America, we don't want to be different than our Protestant brothers and sisters, or the secular forces around us.  And, I think that's the great danger of our time, we don't love God enough and we don't enter into combat with the enemy enough and we need to recommit ourselves to doing that," the Archbishop of Denver urged.

During his keynote address, Archbishop Chaput had also referred to the importance of recognizing that evil exists and that "Satan is real." [!!!!!!!!!! Finally !!!!!!!!!!!!!]

Responding later to a question from CNA about where he sees the Devil's presence in society, the archbishop said, "Well, one of the most obvious things in the United States is internet pornography which is pervasive, and subtle, and attractive and totally destructive of peoples' lives and there's very little talk about fighting it. 

"If you talk about fighting pornography in the media you're somehow seen as anti-American, anti-freedom of speech. ... things that are so obviously destructive to society..." he said.

The archbishop also named divorce and the changing definition of marriage as places where Satan is holding sway. 

"All of the statistical studies show us that a stable relationship between a man and a wife for the sake of children is what produces good, healthy human beings and you can't say that today without being branded as somehow on the opposite side of freedom and truth," Archbishop Chaput explained.

"So, those kind of basic human values, the value of chastity and the value of family life are popularly seen as 'old fashioned' because of the lies, because of the deceptions of the Evil One. Even Catholics are afraid of standing up for the truth because we're afraid of being branded 'old-fashioned.'"[Our entire mindset about life and culture are warped by this destruction of the idea of the family and its values.]

When asked whether there are any successes in the fight today, the archbishop responded, "I think we're doing a lot of very good things and doing well in terms of fighting but in terms of winning the battles, we're not winning many of those cultural battles in terms of the formal direction of society.

"But," he added, "every time an individual is converted the battle has been won in a huge kind of way, because we're not saved as a group. We're saved as individuals and what pleases the enemy of God, Satan, is that individuals are not being faithful to their identity as children of God. 

"So, I think every time there's a conversion, every time one of us turns from our sins there is a victory in the battle,” he remarked.

Archbishop Chaput concluded, "There are lots of victories, so I don't think we measure our success in terms of swaying whole segments of society, but it's convincing individuals to give themselves faithfully to the call of God in their lives."

Ok, obviously this article makes me squeal with both glee and despair. It makes me happy because it is soooo central to my message and mission with this blog. It saddens me because of the obvious problem that it addresses - the battle against evil in our world and lives, which appears to be going poorly in the eyes of the Archbishop - at least on some fronts.

I think this article should be a wake-up call to American Catholics. We cannot sit idly by anymore. We must each pick up our "swords" and storm into battle. If you are a father who doesn't go to Church - go. You don't have to necessarily be smarter than the Pope, just go. If you are a mother who allows their children to do things or participate in things that are contrary to the teaching of the church - stop, be willing to be unpopular for the sake of the souls of your children. 

I am sure all of us can think of ways that we can fight this battle. The first step for many might simply be accepting that evil is real and that we are in a battle. From there, the determination must be made on an indiviudal basis as to how we can best fight this battle. This often takes an examination of your soul and your life to find ways in which we are being deceived, tricked and lied to by the ultimate deceiver: Satan. Once we admit and accept that we fall prey to such trickery we can then defend ourselves and fight back. The easiest and best ways to do so are: confession, Mass, and Adoration. Our weapons are Rosaries, Liturgy of the Hours, Holy Water, and Prayer. 

So why not say a Rosary tonight? Why not say the St. Michael prayer after Mass? Why not pick up your sword and "...take the Kingdom of Heaven by force?!"


Original:
Denver archbishop urges Catholics to fight Satan :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Other blogs commentary:
Intentional Disciples: Intercessory Prayer and Spiritual Combat

-Posted by: Joe

The Battles To Come...

I started this blog a little over 3 months ago. It was in response to some conversations I had with my best friend concerning the current state of the Catholic Church in America, the culture of American Catholic families, the dualistic nature of the Church in terms of the Traditionalist movement ["reform of the reform"] versus the more modern Progressives congregations [this is not meant to be read in a pejorative sense], and how socio-political aspects of American life and politics juxtapose against these facets of American Catholicism. In short we were talking essentially about what it means to be an American Catholic in todays day and age. [We also spoke specifically of our vocations as Husbands, Fathers, and Lawyers]

Both my friend and I were in our last year of law school, married, and expecting our first child in our respective families. We realized that the country and culture we were raised in no longer existed, at least not fully. We also saw the changes occurring in our faith because of the culture of the world. Vatican II was meant to be a development within the Church to explain and evolve the way in which our faith existed within the modern world. Unfortunately, here in America it came during the social chaos of the 1960's and 1970's. A once stoic and traditional Catholic Church had become something modern and incongruent with the past. It rested its laurels less on rubrics and tradition and more on comfort and relativism. The Church had been devolving in many regards since then; although not necessarily because of Vatican II but more the state of our world in terms of culture and belief.

As we talked we realized that our families, faith, and country were in battles. ["the kingdom of Heaven has been subjected to violenceand the violent are taking it by storm." Matthew 11:12] I know for many this seems highly exaggerated but it isn't. Just turn on the the TV and watch the way prime-time shows portray families and culture. Watch the commercials and see the products they push and the families the use to push them. We realized for sure that there was a culture war. We also saw the same thing in our church. Granted we went to a Catholic law school, so we definitely had more traditionalist beliefs and tendencies but we saw the way the Church was no longer the same across the board. Walking into some churches you felt as if kneeling and latin were prohibited whereas walking into others you were close to excommunication if you weren't constantly kneeling and only speaking latin. It seemed as if the war had engulfed even the Church itself turning brother against brother - a sort of Civil war.

So this blog was born... as a way to get these ideas out there. The first 3 months the posts were a little scattered. Yet as I move forward I hope to be more focused. I plan to concentrate on the wars waging over our families, faith, and country. It should be obvious as to what some of these topics will be and others I am sure will develop spontaneously as such things have a tendency to do.

• I hope to cover more family pertinent issues as my first child is about 2 weeks from birth. I think that more so than ever natural Catholic families are under attack. The way we raise our children in their faith, in the American culture, and their educational opportunities are under constant attack from relativism and secularism. I plan to discuss all the ways in which we can fight to preserve our traditions, needs and desires when it comes to our children and families. ["You may not be rich; you may be unable to bequeath any great possessions to your children; but one thing you can give them; the heritage of your blessing. And it is better to be blessed than to be rich." - St. Ambrose]
• I also hope to cover the way in which our marriages are constantly under attack. Whether it is the way that the family dynamic is portrayed or the way in which the roles of husbands and wives exist in our culture. As Catholics, our marriages begin with the Sacrament of Matrimony. A tri-union with ourselves, our spouse and our God. ["...a threefold cord is not easily broken." - Eccl. 4:12] We must fight to preserve them as a true union with God and an everlasting fidelity to love.
• Our Church, our faith, the liturgy, and tradition are undergoing a revolution. As with all revolutions there is the chance that it could end badly and leave nothing more than a shell of what we had prior to the uprising. Yet, it could also leave in its wake the fertile ground unto which a grand and glorious garden could grow - with a multitude of fruits and graces. It is up to us those - the Body of Christ, to ensure that this "reform of the reform," that this revolution occurs properly and in the right way. That we uphold true traditions with meaning and purpose and not solely for the sake of tradtion. We must also embrace the reforms of Vatican II, those that have been done properly and for the Holy purpose of bringing Greater Glory to God. It our job as members of the Church Militant to instill in our children and families the proper way to balance tradition with modernity to ensure growth and love in the Church and in our world. ["Take heed to thyself and to doctrine: be earnest in them. For in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee." 1 Timothy 4:16]
• There is also a need to expose and discuss the Anti-Christian and Anti-Catholic tone that exists in American Politics. As more and more of our elected officials vote against Catholic teaching and morals we need to exert our voices and our voting power upon them. Especially those that wave the flag of Catholicism only to support legislation contrary to its teaching. Explaining such actions away through some relativistic explanation. There is certainly a separation between Church and State, and it should exist to the proper degree - but not at the cost of the extermination of religion. Our country was not, is not, and should not be a secularist one. ["And Jesus answering, said to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17]
• Finally, I hope to show how the intercession and protection of St. Michael, the Archangels, and all the angels and saints can protect us in these battles. We cannot do this alone - we must implore the help and protection of the angels. 

So moving forward... there are many battles to come. I hope that this blog can be a place to help prepare all of us for such battles, and the overall war against evil. Don't get me wrong - I do not think of myself as anything great or even capable of doing such a thing. I only feel that God has inspired me to do such in a way that through Him, if it be His Will, then I will be capable of achieving such a feat. 

A final note; I am a traditionalist for sure. I have a great place in my heart for the Extraordinary Form (Tridentine & Dominican Rites), latin prayers and hymns, and the practices of Catholicism that are more traditional. This does not mean though, that I abhor all new and modern means of worship. In fact, I live in a place where the "New Order" (Novus Ordo) is the only one in which I can attend. I understand that when done correctly, its beauty is befitting the extent of mans ability to worship God. So my preference for the traditional should not be taken as an indictment of the modern. Instead I hope to show that the age and maturity of the older form show how stability and focus on the Mystery and Eucharist allow the Church to flourish. The older form, latin, and the traditional practices have had almost 500 years to attempt to perfect themselves. Whereas the new Mass has had only 40. [In essence it is like comparing a 50 year old with a 4 year old in terms of knowledge and refinement.] So I hope to show through the comparison of the new to the old the ways in which we must center and focus our attention as Catholics. Not in attempt to simply reclaim tradition, but instead to ensure that the meaning of our woship and faith is Christ centered and not people centered. 

In conclusion I hope this blog will touch all of you, and hopefully bring some of you to a greater relationship and understanding of our God. I hope that it brings Greater Glory to God and upholds the Holy Catholic Church in all of Her Glory and Graces.