Post Election Prayer

As I am writing this, the election numbers are still rolling in.  Polls are about to close in California, and there's uncertainty in both camps.  Both candidates have done their best in convincing the American people of their qualifications to lead these great United States.  I pray that both will do their best, win or lose, in working for a brighter future where justice and peace is the rule of the land.  And so, with these thoughts in mind, I'd like to offer this prayer for our country.
Dear Heavenly Father, in your infinite love for humanity, you have given us your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, as the loving model for all leaders.  Bless our leaders with wisdom and love for all, especially those most vulnerable and weakest in our society.  Give all of us the strength and courage to work through our differences with understanding and care for the common good.  Most of all, help us to live out our mandate of always placing you first in our life and give us the heart to love all of your children, especially those that challenges our beliefs and lifestyle.  In all this, we ask our dear Blessed Mother Mary, and all the Saints, to intercede for us in these time of needs, through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, in the unity of one God, forever and ever.  Amen.

R220 Final Reflection

I now view the Sacraments with new insights and perspective after being in this “Liturgy and Sacraments” class.  Coming into the class, I accepted the Catholic Church teachings of the Sacraments without giving it any real thoughts.  As I read through Joseph Martos’ “Doors to the Sacred”, the text book for the class, I was floored by all the historical actions that went into the formulation of the seven sacraments that we know today.  Although there were many intriguing and sometimes scandalous events throughout Church’s history that Martos presented involving the creation of the sacraments, I was constantly asking myself “What’s the point of all this?”

The Catechism defined sacraments as “efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us.” (CCC 1131)  In short, sacraments are signs of grace through which we gain the abundant life that Jesus promised.  As such, sacraments are supernatural events beyond human recognition or comprehension.  So, why then, did the Church’s Fathers and many theologians after them, find it necessary to define and analyze something that for all intents and purposes, can never be adequately defined or understood.  It’s like trying to access the internet using only paper and pencil, or flying off into space using a bicycle (hmm…).  In any case, it’s impossible to approach the supernatural using natural languages.  It seemed that many of these attempts to define the sacraments were necessitated by societal demands (marriage), fear of the unknown (infant baptism), and ultimately power and control (ordination).  In the end, as Martos pointed out, only the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist were instituted by Christ.  One can argue that Christ also institute the sacrament of Reconciliation (John 20:19-23), Holy Orders (Matt. 16:18), and Annointing of the Sick (laying on of hands) (Mark 6:12-13).  So that leaves us with Confirmation and Matrimony as “created” sacraments.  Marriage as a sacrament, as Martos pointed out did not exist before the 12^th century.  Confirmation, on the other hand, was sneaked in by less than scrupulous monks.

So, what’s a deacon-candidate like me do with all these eye-popping information?  Do I go out and try to teach others the “historically correct” view of sacraments, or do I push for a more spiritual understanding of the sacraments.  Of course, I can present both side.  However, I believe that many Catholics are not ready for the raw version as Martos presented in his book.  I was personally forced to reexamine my own understanding of the sacraments and reevaluate my view of Protestantism.  It sadden me to think that so much of the current divisiveness in the Christian Churches were caused mainly by righteous attitude held by one party or the other in the way we worship and not in what we ultimately believe.  Jesus left us with these words, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15)  He didn’t say that those who do believe but worship in the wrong way will be condemned.  The more I meditate on this verse, the more I believe that my mission, as commissioned by Christ, is to tell the world of God’s love for humanity, show the world through my actions what I believe, and leave the rest to the Holy Spirit.

At What Cost?

In a few more weeks, we will be selecting the persons/administration who will lead our country for the next four years.  This election would not mean anything if we were just selecting people best qualified for the job. However, you and I know that's not the case for this election.
We are, in my opinion, voting for ideals in this election.  For some people, ideals are the cornerstone of their life, for others, ideals are good but not worth fighting for.  Take freedom of religions, for example.  I would fight with my life to be able to practice my faith.  However, my neighbor down the street sees that as a good idea to uphold, but not worth fighting for.
So where does that leave me?  I can see clearly that my religious liberty is being attacked, while my friend sees it as equal access for all.  What is the loving thing to do here?  Do I argue my position in the hope that my friend will agree and we walk down the street singing kumbayah?  Or do I agree to disagree on this matter knowing that I can't change anyone's mind.
What am I willing to risk here?  At what cost am I willing to fight for my beliefs?

On the feast of St. Teresa of Avila.
"Let nothing trouble you, let nothing make you afraid. All things pass away. God never changes. Patience obtains everything. God alone is enough."

4 th Paper

Hey Joyful Sevants,
Peter had a great idea about sharing our papers for Theology and Sacraments class. I'll try to download some past papers. Hope you'll be able to share yours as well.
Peace,
Christopher

Christopher Ciraulo

R 220 Paper #4

Marywood

10/08/2012

·       “During the course of the Christian centuries the ritual of baptism has varied.” “For the theology of baptism is always a variation on the theme of salvation played in different modes and in different keys in different ages.” Joseph Martos: Doors to the Sacred. Pg. 147

·       Pelagius believed that people were born in a state of ‘original grace’ which was the reason for their natural goodness, and that what was lost by Adam was not this grace but a further grace…Children of course were born innocent and so they had no need of baptism.” The New Testament and the early fathers agreed that faith, not just baptism, was needed for salvation.” Joseph Martos: Doors to the Sacred. Pg. 157-158

·       “The introduction to the text as well as the prayers and symbolism of the rite puts less emphasis on washing away original sin and much more on incorporation into the body of Christ…” “Thus the meaning of baptism in contemporary Catholic theology is still salvation, but the meaning of salvation is becoming more experiential and less metaphysical.” Joseph Martos: Doors to the Sacred. Pg. 177, 180

 

The practice of baptism and even to an extent some of its meaning has changed over the course of the centuries. The post Vatican II Church seems to be heading in the direction of incorporating the best of  past meanings and practices and also reexamining the early Church’s and the New Testament’s perspective of baptism.

The Church’s emphasis on being brought into the Body of Christ and less on original sin has, I believe, rediscovered the sacraments intended meaning. The question must be asked: If the Church’s meaning has progressed, can it progress further into a deeper understanding of the truth? Once we have come to embrace the deeper sacramental meaning of baptism could this also eliminate some problems or complications that have developed due to some patristic and medieval interpretations? If the foundation for the meaning of baptism was placed back on incorporating one into the Kingdom of God, (Body of Christ), I think the Church’s celebration of Baptism would be elevated and enlivened and it would also be a substantial expression of those seeking baptism as to their commitment to Christ and the Christian life.

Pelagius may have been right to an extent in promoting original grace. If his view was reexamined by the Church and it was determined that baptism should be reserved for adults who make a conscious decision we may have a more dedicated laity instead of the phenomena of jumping through the hoops to acquire the sacraments and salvation with no apparent commitment or life changing dedication to Christ.

Today, we in the Latin rite have separated the baptismal rite from anointing, (Confirmation). If we reexamined the rite we could again combine baptism with anointing but instead prolong the catechumenate phase. For example, the Rite of Acceptance could be administered to infants bringing them into the Body of Christ and their childhood would be spent receiving instruction in the faith, much like they do for First Communion and Confirmation. Once they near the age when they want to make an informed and committed decision they would go through the Rite of Candidacy then, baptism-anointing and mystagogy. Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation are then celebrated in their proper context as a “beginning” and not as a “graduation” which unfortunately, many believe today.

First Friday Reflection

Here at St. Anne in Seal Beach, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed after the 9 a.m. Mass and ends at 5 p.m. with Benediction.  This "Day of Adoration" occurs every first Friday.

I look forward to this day of adoration because that's my personal retreat day.  I spend my day in front of the Blessed Sacrament.  Granted, I am still working (telecommuting), but I'm blessed that my main office is closed on Fridays (but as anyone in IT will tell you, when the main office is closed, that's when IT people go to work).  In fact, I am writing this blog entry in front of the Blessed Sacrament now.

In between checking on the computers and meditating on the Sacrament of Baptism (that's chapter 6 of Doors to the Sacred, for those of you in R220), I am challenged by the concept of infant baptism.  Before I go any further, disclaimer:  this is my musings only, not what the Catholic Church teaches, and as such I am totally open for discussions for or against.  Also, I haven't read the whole chapter, yet (it's so looong!), and so what I present here may be moot.

I was taught the concept of original sin, as I'm sure all of you also were taught.  I didn't really think much about it at the time.  I was maybe 7 or 8 and the thinking was:  Sister said it, it must be true.  That's basically the reason I was offered when I asked about infant baptism a few years later.  Since I've never challenged the concept of original sin, I haven't questioned why we baptize babies, either.  Until now.

As I understand it now, the only real reason why we want to baptize babies is to clean their soul of original sin.  So, if I accept the concept of original sin, then I shouldn't have any problem with infant baptism.  This is where it gets muddy.  Jesus died for our sins.  All of our sins.  That's all sins in the past, present, and future.  Where does it say that original sin is not part of that deal?

Bishop Kevin Vann's Blog

Our future Bishop is techno-savvy!  He got his own blog!

http://fwbishop.blogspot.com/

Do you think he'll change the blog's name to OCBishop after December 10?

Happy St. Francis feast day!
(yes, I'm looking your way Ciraulos)

Countdown to WHAT??!

In just over a year from now, God willing, us Joyful Servants will be ordained as the newest permanent deacons for the Diocese of Orange.  It's a scary thought, considering all that we have seen and been through. It's a "transcendental" experience!

I want for us to begin exchanging our thoughts, opinions, and any matter of interests using this blog so that we either can bond closer to each other or at least know whom to avoid!  Currently, this is an open blog and as such, any one can view the materials that is presented here.  If we'd rather keep this blog private, that could be done as well.  Just give a shout out of how you feel.  I for one feel that I need more critical examinations of my thoughts and opinions, and so I welcome inputs from anyone, Joyful Servants or not.

I am here but have no idea what I am doing.  Thanks for the reading assignment, Peter.  Hopefully I can make some sens out of it in time to submit my homeowrk by Mionday... Have a good weekend everyone!

Life Goes On

I can't remember the last time I wrote in this space.

Well, technically I could look at my last post but I decided to jump straight in and start writing.

Today is the memorial of St. Justin Martyr.  I know very little about him, so I'm not going to meditate on his life but rather on him being a devout convert.

Being a born into a Catholic family, I don't think I treasured my faith like St. Justin.  When I was maybe 7 or 8, I was given an illustrated bible and honestly, most of my Old Testament knowledge was based on fond memories of those action-drawn stories.  My faith was ignited by the heroic deeds of characters like David and Samson.  Sadly though, that's where my faith stay for most of my adult life.  I have very little memory of learning about Jesus outside Sunday's Gospel reading.  Paul was just a guy who got knocked off his horse (which I later found out that there was no mention of a horse!).  Yeah, sure, Jesus is in the wafer.  Jesus hears my confession through father who absolves me of my sins.  Jesus sees everything...  That's the basic catechetical knowledge I carried with me from childhood.  It's not much, but it was enough for me to believe in a demanding God-who-watches-and-records-everything-I-do-and-replay-them-as-evidence-when-I-stand-trial on judgement day.

So in my previous life, when I heard of people converting to the Christian faith, or worse (please don't quote me here), the Catholic faith, my first reaction is usually of shock:  "what? are you in your right mind? do you know what you're getting into?..."  Not very supportive.  Of course, outwardly I'm happily congratulating them on making a great decision, but inside I was thinking "Oh, you poor man/woman..."

Strange as it may, I started to admire the new converts.  They knew their faith and wear their belief on their sleeves.  I on the other hand, was embarrassed even to make the sign of the cross in public.  So I wondered (after many years of denying Christ in public) what is it that the convert got that I didn't get?  I mean, I believe in God, the Trinity, communion of Saints, etc., the whole profession of faith thing.  So, why is it that I don't profess or live my faith like what I "thought" I believed?

I got a hint of the answer when an non-Catholic evangelical asked me if I was saved.  "Of course I'm saved," I replied, "I believed in Jesus and the whole salvation thing!"  "You sure don't act like it," was his reply.  And so my long and windy road of conversion begins.