This is written to my dear non-Catholic Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, but may be a good reflection for Catholics as well.
Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, whatever you may call it, is the day before Ash Wednesday in which the Roman Catholic Church begins the Liturgical season of Lent. Lent is a word that has often caused a non-Catholic eyebrow or two to raise and turn away. Every year the same arguments are heard; "Lent isn't in the Bible!" "Jesus already paid for our sins, you Catholics are wasting your time!" Friends, I hope this doesn't shock you, but Catholics know that you will not find the word "Lent" anywhere in the Old or New Testament. We also know a bit about the salvation we are invited to partake of in Christ Jesus. These questions are greatly missing the point.
Lent is the season in which the Christian seeks out the Lord in a deeper way by means of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Seeking the Lord. Prayer. Fasting. Almsgiving. As Christians, we are all called to do these all the time. But on Ash Wednesday, our churches are decked out in Purple (a color signifying repentance) and we receive ashes on our foreheads, something that also raises more eyebrows. As the cross is traced in Ashes, we hear one of two things from the Priest: "Remember, oh man, that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" or more simply "Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the Gospel." To me, as a Catholic, there are few things more edifying than this moment of reception. I'm not bearing sackcloth and trying to earn salvation. I'm calling to mind that without Jesus Christ, I am absolutely nothing.
Each Catholic takes on a 'penance' of prayer, fasting, or almsgiving (the vast majority fasting from anything from cookies, soda, TV, or Facebook). For forty days, we recall that Christ was tempted in the desert. Using this scriptural story as guidance, His sacrifices are made real to us in a very unique way. We don't go through nearly as much suffering as He did, and thus we come to a greater realization of just how much he gave. Plus, it certainly doesn't hurt us to give up these things, anyways, as more often than not we worship earthly things more than we worship the Lord of Lords. It's sad, but sadly true.
Hopefully this leads you to the next question. What about Fridays? Why are Catholics eating so much fish? Answer: pretty much the same thing. 60 years ago, and for most of the history of the Roman Catholic Church, EVERY single Friday was a day of fasting. The reasons are the same: we desire to make Christ's sacrifice more understandable, more relevant, more REAL. Thus every Friday of the year used to be a mini-Lent, just as every Sunday is to be a mini-Easter. Here's some clarification for Catholics and Non-Catholics alike; this requirement was not done away with. Catholics are still greatly admonished to fast from something on Fridays. The hope behind this change was that the faithful would sacrifice out of their own piety, however, there was great confusion about many things when this change was made. Still, every Lenten Friday is to be a day of fasting in order to make the Lord's suffering, and in particular His Passion and Death, real and present to us. In addition to fasting, there are two days of "abstinence": Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, in which all Catholics eat one large meal, or two small meals that would not be greater in size than a larger meal. No snacking is allowed. Again, none of this is done to merit anything. The end Catholics have in mind is to know Jesus as intimately as possible.
The final question is the greatest. WHY DOES ANY OF THIS MATTER AT ALL? If it's all about knowing our Lord, Praying, Fasting, Giving Money, than we should be doing it all the time! Yes, this is ultimately true. However, how many Christians (Catholic or otherwise) do this 365 days a year? I say this often and I'll say it again: anyone who is considered a "Perfect" Christian is more in need of Christ than tax collectors and sinners. We all fall short of knowing Christ and fulfilling our duties as His disciples. It is so beautiful that Lent exists for this purpose. It is beautiful to me how Fridays are to be mini Lents and serve this purpose. And guess what else- while almost every other Christian denomination starts singing Christmas Carols on Thanksgiving, Catholics again adorn their Churches with Purple and reflect on our actions as we await the celebration of not only His birth, but also prepare for His second coming.
If you have any questions after reading this, don't hesitate to ask. Please know that I do not condemn anyone who doesn't celebrate Lent, but I do condone the celebration 100%.
Sola Deo Gratias.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The Rite place at the appropriate time
JMJ
Time is a mysterious thing, isn't it? Even atomic clocks never seem to be completely in sync, different places adhere to different daylight savings and time zone rules. Just as there are fingerprints of the Lord displayed in the beauty of His creation, the imperfect fingerprints of man are blanketing this thing we call "time." It is therefore ironic that we as Christians use the term "God's time," because this is a man made term that can not in any way contain God.
This belief addresses and corrects the issue of predestination. God knows things, being outside of time, as being simultaneously present to His Divine Mind. It furthers one's ponderings of the mysteries of faith and how Good He truly is. His providence is something entirely misunderstood and therefore unappreciated by mankind as a whole.
***
I am subject to time, and it is always glorious to me to reflect on the wonder of how God has assisted me in it and answered my prayers. This morning I was briefly praising God because I love the job I currently am working in. It was an interesting process of finding a job; I was still in the seminary and I had requested and been granted the opportunity by the Diocese of Crookston to work in a parish. By the time that Father Vincent Miller had contacted me notifying me that Bishop Hoeppner and Monsignor Baumgartner were okay with this, I had already discovered that my time to leave was soon approaching. This meant that it was time to look for work again, and my opportunity to return home to Park Rapids was a dim one, so I applied to Saint Mary's and crossed my fingers.
I was accepted as a student worker, but quickly notified that I would be unable to return to the Information Technology department. I then turned and was accepted to Maintenance (who employs roughly half of the summer workers) but at this point I began to dread my summer vacation. I was talking about my summer plans, then, with Brother Larry Humphrey one morning as Tim Gossen walks in with a box of doughnuts. He apparently overheard a part of the conversation that peaked his interest.
Tim took this knowledge into a meeting he had with Lynn Streefland and Father Andy Beerman, among a few others, and apparently everyone agreed that I'd be the perfect fit to work in the Office of Campus Ministry and as a summer RA. I cannot even begin to describe how wonderful it has been to work here, and I love every minute of it.
May the name of the Lord be Praised.
Time is a mysterious thing, isn't it? Even atomic clocks never seem to be completely in sync, different places adhere to different daylight savings and time zone rules. Just as there are fingerprints of the Lord displayed in the beauty of His creation, the imperfect fingerprints of man are blanketing this thing we call "time." It is therefore ironic that we as Christians use the term "God's time," because this is a man made term that can not in any way contain God.
This belief addresses and corrects the issue of predestination. God knows things, being outside of time, as being simultaneously present to His Divine Mind. It furthers one's ponderings of the mysteries of faith and how Good He truly is. His providence is something entirely misunderstood and therefore unappreciated by mankind as a whole.
***
I am subject to time, and it is always glorious to me to reflect on the wonder of how God has assisted me in it and answered my prayers. This morning I was briefly praising God because I love the job I currently am working in. It was an interesting process of finding a job; I was still in the seminary and I had requested and been granted the opportunity by the Diocese of Crookston to work in a parish. By the time that Father Vincent Miller had contacted me notifying me that Bishop Hoeppner and Monsignor Baumgartner were okay with this, I had already discovered that my time to leave was soon approaching. This meant that it was time to look for work again, and my opportunity to return home to Park Rapids was a dim one, so I applied to Saint Mary's and crossed my fingers.
I was accepted as a student worker, but quickly notified that I would be unable to return to the Information Technology department. I then turned and was accepted to Maintenance (who employs roughly half of the summer workers) but at this point I began to dread my summer vacation. I was talking about my summer plans, then, with Brother Larry Humphrey one morning as Tim Gossen walks in with a box of doughnuts. He apparently overheard a part of the conversation that peaked his interest.
Tim took this knowledge into a meeting he had with Lynn Streefland and Father Andy Beerman, among a few others, and apparently everyone agreed that I'd be the perfect fit to work in the Office of Campus Ministry and as a summer RA. I cannot even begin to describe how wonderful it has been to work here, and I love every minute of it.
May the name of the Lord be Praised.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
My Vocation
I continue to reflect on how good the Lord has been to me this year. I have received so many graces and blessings from discerning my vocation in the seminary, ultimately finding that I am called to commit my love to a wife and family. I do not possess a single regret for anything done in the last year; God has been very good to me. I am truly blessed.
Recently I fulfilled every ex-seminarian's dream, and began dating again. One definitely possesses a very different outlook on life as a whole but especially the virtue found in dating after spending any amount of time thinking that there is a life of celibacy waiting for me. I truly believe that the woman I am courting is my best friend and will continue leading me to the Lord. But, every good story has a problem leading to the plot. Mine is that 350 miles of road lay between me and my significant other.
Many people see a great distance and ultimately conclude that it is a dividing principle. The wonder of faith, however, tells me that it is actually a UNIFYING one, especially considering a Catholic perspective. I will clarify myself later, but let me first describe my Catholic Spirituality and relationship to the Lord.
Catholic spirituality is MORE than mere spirituality. Theologian James Penrice notes in his book, "When Spirituality Isn't Enough," that we have a physical need for God, and they are found in the seven sacraments the Christ Himself established before ascending into Heaven. The sacraments are Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist (known as the BLESSED sacrament), Matrimony, Holy Orders, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick. A sacrament is defined in the simplest terms as "an outward sign of inward grace, ordained by Christ, by which grace is effected into our souls." A sign, a physical reality, of grace.. the presence of the living, loving God entering into our hearts. We physically NEED to embrace God on a regular basis, and though prayer is necessary, it is not enough. This will be ended and fulfilled when I die and go to heaven, entering into the complete physical presence of the Lamb of God.
This is the understanding of which my relationship is now being established. I can communicate with my girlfriend on a daily basis through phone, skype, text messages, but as I noted in my relationship with the Lord the simple communication is not enough. I need to ensure, prayerfully, that my relationship remains sacramental so that we both can be satisfied and happy. This sacramental element will not effect grace, but the love of each other. This is done by, most importantly, SEEING each other (the 'blessed sacrament' of the relationship, if you will) but when that is not possible, engaging in prayer and scripture studies together, among other things that God will make possible. The end of any dating relationship would obviously then, be marriage, coming into full unity with that other person.
Even in the beginning of a relationship, I seek the love and virtue displayed by the Holy Family.
Jesus. Mary. Joseph.
Recently I fulfilled every ex-seminarian's dream, and began dating again. One definitely possesses a very different outlook on life as a whole but especially the virtue found in dating after spending any amount of time thinking that there is a life of celibacy waiting for me. I truly believe that the woman I am courting is my best friend and will continue leading me to the Lord. But, every good story has a problem leading to the plot. Mine is that 350 miles of road lay between me and my significant other.
Many people see a great distance and ultimately conclude that it is a dividing principle. The wonder of faith, however, tells me that it is actually a UNIFYING one, especially considering a Catholic perspective. I will clarify myself later, but let me first describe my Catholic Spirituality and relationship to the Lord.
Catholic spirituality is MORE than mere spirituality. Theologian James Penrice notes in his book, "When Spirituality Isn't Enough," that we have a physical need for God, and they are found in the seven sacraments the Christ Himself established before ascending into Heaven. The sacraments are Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist (known as the BLESSED sacrament), Matrimony, Holy Orders, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick. A sacrament is defined in the simplest terms as "an outward sign of inward grace, ordained by Christ, by which grace is effected into our souls." A sign, a physical reality, of grace.. the presence of the living, loving God entering into our hearts. We physically NEED to embrace God on a regular basis, and though prayer is necessary, it is not enough. This will be ended and fulfilled when I die and go to heaven, entering into the complete physical presence of the Lamb of God.
This is the understanding of which my relationship is now being established. I can communicate with my girlfriend on a daily basis through phone, skype, text messages, but as I noted in my relationship with the Lord the simple communication is not enough. I need to ensure, prayerfully, that my relationship remains sacramental so that we both can be satisfied and happy. This sacramental element will not effect grace, but the love of each other. This is done by, most importantly, SEEING each other (the 'blessed sacrament' of the relationship, if you will) but when that is not possible, engaging in prayer and scripture studies together, among other things that God will make possible. The end of any dating relationship would obviously then, be marriage, coming into full unity with that other person.
Even in the beginning of a relationship, I seek the love and virtue displayed by the Holy Family.
Jesus. Mary. Joseph.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Crutches
So many events have happened lately that have shown me more than ever that I need God. All the time. Whenever I think I can rely on "myself" to do something, I'm humbled with the truth that I can only do as God's grace enables me to do. Even basic living.
First, right before finals, I twisted my ankle playing pickup basketball with some brother seminarians. For once, this was not something that I brought upon myself by trying to be superman and do things that I can't do; all it took was grabbing a rebound and having an awkward landing. For the first time in my life, it was probably bad enough to go to the doctor (I didn't) and I needed to use crutches to move around and not cause further pain and damage to my foot. In this, I immediately thanked God for the dosage of humility that I desperately needed. Even a few days later, I was limping around without the crutches- and I continued to limp later because I just got used to limping! God gave me LIFE, and good health, and I had forgotten that.
Another event happened providing music for Mass at St. Peter's during Christmas break. Normally I don't fret about learning the Responsorial Psalm, mostly because I have a decent knowledge of Music Theory and can generally make something up that works okay. Prior to the beginning of Mass I had a good vocal part figured out for the verses. After the first reading, I played the response, and immediately forgot what I rehearsed for the verses and made something up, again. All four verses were different, they didn't fit the psalm, and at times I was even OFF KEY (gasp!) I take music very serious, and in another instance, I realized that I needed God's grace for this gift.
Now, realizing the need for the grace of God is one thing, needing humility is another, but something underlying both of those is thanksgiving. Two forms of prayers that are underused are praise and thanksgiving, and I believe that they are necessary for anyone who desires a deeper spirituality, and humility WITHOUT God removing graces. I realized sitting before the Tabernacle that I at times am thankful for my God-given gifts, but many times I offer thanks only once and let it pass, but God desires PERPETUAL, unending Praise and Thanks. Doing so is generosity in your part of your relationship with the Trinity, and the Trinity can NOT be outdone in generosity.
JMJ
First, right before finals, I twisted my ankle playing pickup basketball with some brother seminarians. For once, this was not something that I brought upon myself by trying to be superman and do things that I can't do; all it took was grabbing a rebound and having an awkward landing. For the first time in my life, it was probably bad enough to go to the doctor (I didn't) and I needed to use crutches to move around and not cause further pain and damage to my foot. In this, I immediately thanked God for the dosage of humility that I desperately needed. Even a few days later, I was limping around without the crutches- and I continued to limp later because I just got used to limping! God gave me LIFE, and good health, and I had forgotten that.
Another event happened providing music for Mass at St. Peter's during Christmas break. Normally I don't fret about learning the Responsorial Psalm, mostly because I have a decent knowledge of Music Theory and can generally make something up that works okay. Prior to the beginning of Mass I had a good vocal part figured out for the verses. After the first reading, I played the response, and immediately forgot what I rehearsed for the verses and made something up, again. All four verses were different, they didn't fit the psalm, and at times I was even OFF KEY (gasp!) I take music very serious, and in another instance, I realized that I needed God's grace for this gift.
Now, realizing the need for the grace of God is one thing, needing humility is another, but something underlying both of those is thanksgiving. Two forms of prayers that are underused are praise and thanksgiving, and I believe that they are necessary for anyone who desires a deeper spirituality, and humility WITHOUT God removing graces. I realized sitting before the Tabernacle that I at times am thankful for my God-given gifts, but many times I offer thanks only once and let it pass, but God desires PERPETUAL, unending Praise and Thanks. Doing so is generosity in your part of your relationship with the Trinity, and the Trinity can NOT be outdone in generosity.
JMJ
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The New Missal
Dearest Friends,
I must ask your apologies for not being able to post to the blog for awhile. My goal has been to keep updates somewhat regular because I know that I don't have much time to keep up with everyone. Well, after realizing that I'm sending the same updates to friends and family, I figured it might be the best time saver to invest a little more time in the blog, especially since there are still many whom I have not been able to keep in touch with.
LIFE OF A SEMINARIAN
-I must admit that it was really easy to adjust to my "new life". The first few weeks were quite interesting; there was a lot of spiritual resistance because I don't think I was fully prepared to enter yet (but who is, really). I find my new lifestyle very peaceful, especially between Monday and Friday. Mass is celebrated at 6:45 in the morning (normally) with other mandatory functions throughout the day in addition to classes. I've never been one to fulfill the practice of waking up early on a consistent basis, but it's always something I've wanted to do. Plus, no greater joy to wake up, give your day to Jesus, and receive Him in the Holy Eucharist.
ETERNAL CITY
-Thanks to the generosity of a Wisconsin parish and generous pastor, I have raised enough funds to travel to Rome this year with 4 other IHM seminarians. I can't praise and thank God enough for this. On the itinerary is Ash Wednesday Mass at one of the Station churches, visiting and praying at the tombs of the Apostles and saints, Day trip to Assisi, and a General Audience with the Holy Father. We'll stay at the North American College, where one of the Crookston priests (Fr. Craig Vasek) is finishing his studies.
NEW MASS TRANSLATIONS
-I can't be any more exciting for Advent of 2011, it's becoming difficult to live in the present. The New Missal for many might cause confusion and worry, but FEAR NOT, this is truly a wonderful change. Even Pope John Paul II, after celebrating Mass in english, was noted for saying that the translations don't encompass the true beauty of the Mass. One such change is thus: we currently pray before communion "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the words and I shall be healed." Well, if you know your scriptures, you know that the words of the Roman Centurion are changed in this translation. We will now proclaim "Lord, I am not worthy to let you ENTER MY HOUSE..." and what beauty this holds! You've probably heard a billion and a half times that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. The body is a gift and a sacred dwelling, it is important to acknowledge that in our sinfulness we are not worthy by any merit of our own. But at the Word of Jesus, He forgives sins and we can be healed.
On another note, all music for Mass (Alleluia, Gloria, Sanctus, Mysterium Fidei, Amen, and Agnus Dei) are changing, so I felt the spirit asking me to compose settings in the new translation. They are still rough, but as of last night, they are complete. God is good, prepare for His grace in the new Missal.
Live Jesus,
Tom
I must ask your apologies for not being able to post to the blog for awhile. My goal has been to keep updates somewhat regular because I know that I don't have much time to keep up with everyone. Well, after realizing that I'm sending the same updates to friends and family, I figured it might be the best time saver to invest a little more time in the blog, especially since there are still many whom I have not been able to keep in touch with.
LIFE OF A SEMINARIAN
-I must admit that it was really easy to adjust to my "new life". The first few weeks were quite interesting; there was a lot of spiritual resistance because I don't think I was fully prepared to enter yet (but who is, really). I find my new lifestyle very peaceful, especially between Monday and Friday. Mass is celebrated at 6:45 in the morning (normally) with other mandatory functions throughout the day in addition to classes. I've never been one to fulfill the practice of waking up early on a consistent basis, but it's always something I've wanted to do. Plus, no greater joy to wake up, give your day to Jesus, and receive Him in the Holy Eucharist.
ETERNAL CITY
-Thanks to the generosity of a Wisconsin parish and generous pastor, I have raised enough funds to travel to Rome this year with 4 other IHM seminarians. I can't praise and thank God enough for this. On the itinerary is Ash Wednesday Mass at one of the Station churches, visiting and praying at the tombs of the Apostles and saints, Day trip to Assisi, and a General Audience with the Holy Father. We'll stay at the North American College, where one of the Crookston priests (Fr. Craig Vasek) is finishing his studies.
NEW MASS TRANSLATIONS
-I can't be any more exciting for Advent of 2011, it's becoming difficult to live in the present. The New Missal for many might cause confusion and worry, but FEAR NOT, this is truly a wonderful change. Even Pope John Paul II, after celebrating Mass in english, was noted for saying that the translations don't encompass the true beauty of the Mass. One such change is thus: we currently pray before communion "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the words and I shall be healed." Well, if you know your scriptures, you know that the words of the Roman Centurion are changed in this translation. We will now proclaim "Lord, I am not worthy to let you ENTER MY HOUSE..." and what beauty this holds! You've probably heard a billion and a half times that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. The body is a gift and a sacred dwelling, it is important to acknowledge that in our sinfulness we are not worthy by any merit of our own. But at the Word of Jesus, He forgives sins and we can be healed.
On another note, all music for Mass (Alleluia, Gloria, Sanctus, Mysterium Fidei, Amen, and Agnus Dei) are changing, so I felt the spirit asking me to compose settings in the new translation. They are still rough, but as of last night, they are complete. God is good, prepare for His grace in the new Missal.
Live Jesus,
Tom
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Whoever loves his life...
Part of the Gospel of this weekend: "whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will preserve it for eternity."
Now, whenever I've heard this message in the past, the one thing that I've always thought of is that I should be cautious in what my life is all about. If I love my life too much, BAM. Just as the Lord gives, He takes away. This can be a kick in the butt to do many things: manage time wisely, make effective use of your day, be conscious of the virtues you practice... because let's face it, drinking, partying, sleeping in every day, and wasting money may seem like fun, but it's not effective toward our salvation.
So here is what I hear today. Love your life, lose it- for Jesus, and it will be returned to you later. I'd be interested to look into the Greek translation of this verse. It may suggest what I have just stated. 5 years ago, I wouldn't imagine myself actively participation in Adoration, Rosaries, Daily Mass, etc. let alone be on the road to the seminary. However, now that it is an active part of my routine, I do love my life. In the spirit of that love, I do understand that God can take any part of it away just as fast as he granted it to me.
Now, whenever I've heard this message in the past, the one thing that I've always thought of is that I should be cautious in what my life is all about. If I love my life too much, BAM. Just as the Lord gives, He takes away. This can be a kick in the butt to do many things: manage time wisely, make effective use of your day, be conscious of the virtues you practice... because let's face it, drinking, partying, sleeping in every day, and wasting money may seem like fun, but it's not effective toward our salvation.
So here is what I hear today. Love your life, lose it- for Jesus, and it will be returned to you later. I'd be interested to look into the Greek translation of this verse. It may suggest what I have just stated. 5 years ago, I wouldn't imagine myself actively participation in Adoration, Rosaries, Daily Mass, etc. let alone be on the road to the seminary. However, now that it is an active part of my routine, I do love my life. In the spirit of that love, I do understand that God can take any part of it away just as fast as he granted it to me.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
My First Post
Greetings, one and all.
Welcome to my blog. Here, you'll learn all about how God is speaking to me. I plan on posting reflections on scripture readings, current events, programs I attend, and really anything else I feel like. This will be a means of communicating with Family, Friends, fellow St. Peter's parishioners, and the like. Let me know what you think, you can email me at tathielen2016@gmail.com.
Pax Christi.
Welcome to my blog. Here, you'll learn all about how God is speaking to me. I plan on posting reflections on scripture readings, current events, programs I attend, and really anything else I feel like. This will be a means of communicating with Family, Friends, fellow St. Peter's parishioners, and the like. Let me know what you think, you can email me at tathielen2016@gmail.com.
Pax Christi.
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