Joe vs. Larry

Well, this post marks the first time I have carried a theme from one day to the next.

While reading a version of Butler's Lives of the Saints this morning, I learned about Joseph of Arimathea. He is the man that approached Pilate to claim and bury the body of Jesus. Joseph was a politician at the time. In public, he kept his belief in Jesus as the Messiah under wraps for fear that it might harm his political career. However, he led a very moral private life. His claiming the body of Jesus was a big deal - it represented his public profession that he was a follower of Jesus.

Contrast that with Senator Larry Craig. He represents himself in public as a God-fearing and moral person. However, his recent actions indicate that his private life is somewhat lacking in morality to say the least. His arrest represents his forced public profession that he is not the moral person he claims to be in public. I do not fault Senator Craig for being a sinner. We are all sinners. I fault him for leading the double life of publicly crusading for morality in an effort to maintain political power, but privately leading a life that includes seeking anonymous sexual partners.

Why do we wonder why politicians have a bad name?

Hello Larry

U.S. Senator Larry Craig's biggest fan right now is Michael Vick. Senator Craig's hypocrisy has moved any news about Michael Vick off the front page.

The situation involving Sen. Craig represents the problems of politicians that wear morality on their sleeves. There is certainly a place for morality in politics. We can obviously use more morality in the political arena. However, there seems to be an increasing number of "God fearing, family value supporting" politicians on both sides of the political aisle that "talk the talk but don't walk the walk". A President commits adultery in the White House. A Speaker of the House has an affair with a staffer. In my own state, several legislative leaders from both parties have been convicted of felonies in recent years.

We no longer vote for the person that we want to serve in public office. We vote for the lesser of the evils represented by the candidates. We are often faced with having to vote reactively, rather than proactively.

Redeeming Qualities

It is difficult to turn on television or radio news without hearing about Michael Vick, the star quarterback that is guilty of running a despicable dog fighting enterprise. Running the enterprise included brutally killing dogs that were not good fighters.

Yesterday, Michael Vick gave a 5 minute statement in which he admitted to making serious mistakes and being immature. Many people, including me, find his crimes to be deplorable and his apology (likely written by a publicist) to be pretty hollow.

Having said that, I feel Michael Vick should be given the chance to redeem himself. That doesn't mean that he should not face the criminal and perhaps civil consequences of his actions. However, I have known many people that have made terrible mistakes in their lives - mistakes that have deeply harmed people. Some of the perpetrators have truly turned their lives around and have gone out of their way to help other people. Michael Vick deserves the opportunity to follow that path not because he is a famous athlete, but because he is a fellow human being.

Why Can't I Be Ordained?

So, did that title grab you?

First of all, I am not a female that desires to be a priest. I am a happily married Catholic male....with no desire to be a priest.

Confused? So am I. I want to serve as a permant deacon. There is an increasing number of permanent deacons in nearly every archdiocese and diocese in the United States. Unfortunately, the diocese in which I live is an exception. There is a very small number of permanent deacons serving in my diocese. Nearly all were ordained together a few years ago. They were the only permanent deacons to be ordained in my diocese. When they were ordained, the public message from the leadership of our diocese was that permanent deacons are in no way substitutes for priests. That message undoubtly gave the new deacons a warm feeling of acceptance. It does not help the current permanent deacons that there are no deacons following in their footsteps - there are no "junior" deacons to mentor.

There is hope. Several priests that work with permanent deacons are strongly encouraging the diocesan leadership to actively establish a formation program for additional permanent deacons. When I met a North American Cardinal on a recent visit to Rome, we discussed the status of the permanent diaconate in my diocese. His Eminence was very surprised to hear that there was no active formation program for the permanent diaconate. He said he would pray that I will one day be ordained a permanent deacon.

Please pray that all of us can heed the plea of Pope Benedict for more workers in the vineyard.

No Saintly Surprise

The most recent issue of TIME magazine features a story about St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and her crises of faith. Several letters to confessors and spiritual directors were uncovered when investigating the cause for her sainthood. The TIME article, as well as others I have read in newspapers, express surpise that such a saintly person could have significant doubts about their faith.

People are saints because they carry on the faith in spite of the doubts that they have. Look at the biographies and writings of Sts. Peter and Paul. In spite of human weaknesses (many of which are described in Scripture), they worked to spread Christianity. Their efforts to do so resulted in their martyrdom.

Why should anyone be surprised that St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta had struggles in faith? She witnessed horrendous poverty and sickness virutally every day of her life. She must have wondered how God could allow such misery to exist in the world. God also provides people like St. Teresa of Calcutta to work to reduce human pain and suffering - in spite of deep philosophical questions.

St. Teresa of Calcutta is a saint because of her God-given ability to work closely with the poorest and sickest people of the world in spite of her personal questions regarding the reasons for the suffering of the people to whom she and her Sisters of Charity continue to minister.

Image In This

As part of my professional work, I have the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time with people that have cognitive disabilities. Contrary to what many people might believe, most people with cognitive disabilities are very spiritual.

One person recently asked me "When I go to Heaven, will I have my disability?". How should one answer that? Whew!

Here is the discussion that followed (paraphrased):

"God created all of us in His image. So, He created you and me, including all of our disabilities, in His image."

"But God is perfect. Since I have cerebral palsy and you need to wear eyeglasses, does that mean God has cerebral palsy and is near-sighted?"

"Not exactly. Remember, God created both man and woman. Does that mean God is a 'she-man'? God is everything. He took on human form in the Person of Jesus. So, He not only created us in His image, He joined us in our humanity. He knows and understands everything about us, including any physical disabilities."

"But some people are very bad people. If all of us are created in God's image, then God must be bad."

"No. Just like he did with Adam and Eve, He created us in His image. He also gave us free will. Adam and Eve were created pure. However, they decided to disobey God's command. That is the foundation of evil. It didn't come from God. It came from man."

"OK, I think I understand. But will I have my disability when I get to Heaven?"

"You will still be you - disabilities and all. However, your disabilities will not create any obstacles for you in Heaven like they do on earth. Disabilities are a natural part of the human existence. The problem is not with people with disabilities. The problem is with those of us on earth that refuse to help people with disabilities so that they can achieve what they want to achieve. When you get to Heaven, you will achieve the most precious goal. Since you will be joined with God, you will have no obstacles. You will have eternal happiness."

"I think I get it. I always thought that if I just had people around that could give me a bit of help, I could pretty accomplish most of what I want to accomplish. I always thought it would be Heaven on earth if such a situation existed for me and for other people with disabilities."

Striking a Balance

While listening to a radio news report this morning, I heard that August has been the wettest month on record for our area. July had been close to one of the driest months on record in the area. Two weeks ago, we were begging for rain. Now we are begging for a drought!

While we cannot control the balance of weather conditions, we can control the balance in our lives. How often have we heard someone say, "I'd love to do XYZ, but I just don't have the time"? That is an excuse that is similar to an elected official saying they cannot do what a constituent asks for because there isn't enough money. Just as there is enough money to do what the constituent asks for (politicians just choose to spend the money on other things), there is enough time for us to do the things we really want to do and should be doing. We can get done what we need to do at work, at home, in the gym, on the social scene and in our prayer lives if we strive for balance. We first need to get our priorities straight in our minds. Then we can plan and implement ways to accomplish the priorities we have established for ourselves.

We Live in a Material World

While reading several Catholic periodicals this past week, I noticed that many of Pope Benedict's recent talks have emphasized the negative impact of individual greed and materialism. This theme corresponds to the current liturgical readings. A non-Catholic might argue that such a theme is pretty bland and not very tangible.

When I was a whippersnapper, I loved reading MAD magazine. I remember one of the pages showed a father and a son discussing politics. The father said "The difference between capitalism and communism is this: In capitalism, man exploits man. But in communism, it is the other way around."

We have all likely been involved in discussions, perhaps even arguments, about the most effective political system. If there were no greed and materialism, virtually any form of government could be effective, including a dictatorship. However, due to greed and materialism, all forms of government break down. There are oppressed people in Los Angeles, Havana and China. Why? Because of greed and materialism.

Rather than being bland, Pope Benedict's recent topics really get down to the very basic foundations of virtually all forms of evil in the world. Imagine what the world might be like without greed and materialism. When you do, you have envisioned Heaven.

Checking You Out

I once read something like "The only way to positively change the world is to positively change the person in front of you". I would have to agree. One of the most effective acts of kindness is to reply to the cashier at the grocery or discount store. When they say "Thank you. Have a nice day", I always make an effort to look them in the eye, thank them and sincerely wish them a nice day ore evening. Sometimes, they are caught off guard. They look at me as if I am some type of freak.

Last evening, I had to make a trip to the grocery store. There were not many customers in the store since it was fairly late on a Sunday night. When the cashier thanked me and wished me a nice evening, I looked her in the eye and wished her the same. She looked as if she were going to cry. She then said that she was tired and did not feel well. She had had some unfriendly customers earlier in the evening. "Thank you for recognizing me as an individual person and showing gratitude and kindness", she said. My actions and words may have helped brighten her day. However, I felt pretty good as well. I got a good deal at the store - and I am not talking about coupons or specials in the frozen food area. The situation reminded me of the parable of the mustard seed. A simple action and a few sincere words made it possible for two people to feel pretty good. That is what I call "getting the most bang for a buck".

Disconti-Unity

During the past week, our nation has focused much of our "attention energy" on the Utah mine disaster. It is a tragedy for all involved - the miners, the rescuers (some of whom have become victims), their families and the community. There was non-stop coverage of the situation on CNN for about two days.

While doing a quick scan of the newpaper this morning, I noticed on the 8th page that there was a mine accident in China that has likely claimed the lives of over 170 miners. These miners and their families our our sisters and brothers as much as are the victims in Utah.

One of the benefits a world travel is that it helps the traveler develop a more comprehensive view of world geography, world history and world cultures. Whether we are black or white, "first world" or "third world", in a democracy or a dictatorship, etc., we are linked by our collective humanity. We all struggle to figure out our place in the world. We all work in an effort to provide a better future for following generations. We strive to meet the basic needs of our families. We love our parents, children, brothers and sisters - the ones in Utah as well as the ones in China. When tragedy happens to any of these we love, it is front page - not 8th page - news.

Easy Like Sunday Morning

After being educated in Catholic grade school and high school, I went to a very large secular university. It was quite an adjustment to go from a very small city and high school to a very large university in a very large metropolitan area.

Some experts say that the key to survival when you make such a change from a small environment to a large environment is to develop small circles within the large environment. One of the most effective support circles that developed immediately was a small group of people on my dormitory floor that regularly attended Mass. Fortunately, there was a church a block away. It was actually a Lutheran church that had one Catholic Mass on Sunday morning. The people in this circle were very different from each other. Our common bond was a desire to attend Mass on a regular basis. This bond led to many friendships and spiritual support and growth.

I urge all of the students who are heading back to campus to attend Mass on a regular basis. College is a very stressful time. A very effective way to maintain balance is to attend Mass.

Keep the Faith!

The Archduke

Many years ago, I was a first-year novice with a religious order. At that time, many senior members of the community were living in area nursing homes, rather than at the community's main house. The community leadership decided to dedicate a wing of the main house to serve members with a need for nursing care. Rooms were prepared and nursing staff were hired.

Each of the first-year novices was assigned to one of the confreres that was returning to the main house from a nursing home. We were not responsible for nursing care, but we were responsible to take our assigned senior confrere to prayer, Mass, meals and social activities in the main house. I was assigned to Father Ferdinand. The first-year novices had nicknames for their respective senior confreres. Having a bit of knowledge of world history, I dubbed Fr. Ferdinand "The Archduke".

The Archduke required nursing care after a severe stroke. He could not speak. However, his mind was very sharp. We soon developed an effective manner of communicating with each other. I learned to understand much of what he wanted by looking at his eyes. During one of our discussions one day, I mentioned that I knew he must be frustrated with not being able to speak and having people around him trying to speak for him. I asked for his patience and told him that we could take as much time as needed in communicating with each other. I apologized for any instances when I was not as patient as I should be with him. He looked at me, grinned, motioned for me to kneel and gave me his blessing. It was the best blessing I have ever received from a priest (and I even had one from the Pope).

Even though my novitiate experience was more than a generation ago, I still think about The Archduke. On the way back to the U.S. from a recent trip to Italy, my wife and I were supposed to fly from Rome to Amsterdam and then from Amsterdam to the U.S. Due to very windy conditions, we could not land in Amsterdam. We had to fly to Rotterdam, wait about 45 minutes and try to return to Amsterdam. While most of the other passangers were very annoyed with the change, I was somewhat pleased. Rotterdam was the birthplace of The Archduke. Amid the grumbling of many passengers, I reflected on my memories of sharing time with The Archduke.

Hell in a Cell

At the beginning of each Mass at my parish, an announcement is made urging attendees to turn off or silence cell phones and pagers. I regularly hear cell phones going off during Mass. In fact, a cell phone went off during the funeral Mass for my father.

This invasive cell phone culture is indicative of the clash between progressive technology and morality. There are some much more important debates to be had in this philisophical arena - the debate regarding the appropriate use of stem cell technology is one. However, I would argue that the cell phone issue currently has a huge tangible impact on our lives. How often have we been talking with a person whose cell phone rings. That person then looks at the caller ID and must make a snap decision - Should I continue my conversation or take this call on my cell phone?

We have become a society that is trying to juggle too many things at the same time. Society simply reflects us as individuals. Many people complain that I don't answer my home phone or my cell phone. I have made a conscious decision to not interupt what I am doing, especially if it involves talking with someone in person, to answer the phone. I have voice mail on both my home phone and my cell phone. If I am able, I always answer the phone when it rings. However, to truly cultivate the relationships and the interests I have, I do not necessarily drop everything that I am doing to see who is calling me. I have to concentrate on the issue at hand. Otherwise, I will have a bunch of half-baked projects and relationships surrounding me.

Live life one day at a time. Interact with people one person at a time. Let the phone ring while you are enjoying time with family and friends.

There's Something About Mary

Why do you Catholics worship and pray to Mary?

I hear that question asked on a fairly regular basis. The easiest way to answer it is to refer to the most wonderful of Marian prayers - the Hail Mary. In that prayer, we certainly venerate Mary. Think about your own mother. You undoubtedly have a very special place in your heart for her - even if she happens to be (or had been) not the greatest of people or maternal nurturers. Why shouldn't Christians, not just Catholics, hold a very special place in our hearts for the Mother of Jesus? Countries like Brazil and Mexico are the most Catholic countries in the world based on population. It is no coincidence that those countries actively venerate Mary. Even Islam recognizes the special qualities of Mary.

As Catholics, we do not pray to anyone but God. However, we do pray through the saints, including Mary. In the last sentence of the Hail Mary, we do not pray to Her. Rather, we ask Mary to pray for us. If you keep up on the news, you know that we need all the help we can get.

There really is Something About Mary!

The Final Pro-Life Step

I feel a bit trepid about bringing up abortion. It will always be a very controversial issue.

I am pro-Life, as I think most people are. Many in the pro-Life movement spend huge amounts of resources on efforts to make abortion illegal. Some spend hours a daying praying for the day when Roe v. Wade will be overturned.

The pro-Life movement does not make as much progress as it should because many people fail to look beyond overturning Roe v. Wade. Rather than pray for the day when the Supreme Court decision is overturned, we should pray for the day when nobody is in the position where they feel that abortion is the best option. Not only should we pray for that day, we should do something about it. Kudos to the many pro-Life groups that work to encourage people to recognize the value of human life and spend time and dollars supporting homes and programs for unwed mothers that provide continued support well after the birth of a child.

A generation ago, we had the "Just Say No" campaign against drugs. In the words of Dr. Phil McGraw, "How'd that work out for ya?" We still have a huge drug problem because not enough resources have gone into finding out why people take drugs and to develop alternatives to drugs. Outlawing abortion will NOT make abortion go away. There is value to a society taking a public stand against abortion by outlawing it. However, if we want to see they day when abortions are truly few and far between, we need to work on ways to ensure that nobody feels that an abortion is the best option for their situation.

Cardinal Virtue

My wife and I went to Rome for a week in late June. On our very first afternoon, I noticed a Franciscan that looked vaguely familiar to me in a bookstore. When my wife and I left the bookstore and headed to our hotel near St. Peter's, the Franciscan was in front of us. At that point, I had the "aha" experience. I was nearly certain that the Franciscan was Cardinal O'Malley from Boston.

Never one to be shy, I quickened my pace to catch up with the Franciscan. When I came within earshot, I said "Excuse me. Are you, by chance, from Boston?" When he replied that he was, I asked if he was Cardinal O'Malley. He replied in the affirmative and looked like he was ready for me to harangue him for all of the problems in Boston. Instead, I thanked him for his leadership and that I understood his job was extremely demanding. I introduced myself and my wife. He was amused that we were from the midwest and that I was Catholic and my wife was Lutheran. He even mentioned that our situation was straight out of Lake Wobegon.

Cardinal O'Malley spent several minutes talking with us and even recommended some "non-tourist" things to see in Rome.

When we returned to the U.S., I sent the Cardinal a brief note of thanks for being so friendly to us when we met him in Rome. Yesterday, my wife and I received a handwritten card from Cardinal O'Malley stating that he enjoyed meeting us and would keep us in his prayers. He must have been educated by the good sisters. His handwriting resembles fine calligraphy.

Whenever I read articles demonizing the leadership of the Church (some leaders deserve demonization while others deserve canonization), I will recall Cardinal O'Malley's simplicity and charity to a couple of North American pilgrims in Rome.

The Ivory Towers

In my effort to keep an open mind (at which I have varied levels of success), I read several Catholic publications, including those that might be considered "conservative" and those that might be considered "liberal".

I usually don't get too riled up about what I read. However, one of the "conservative" periodicals has a music "expert" that is a regular contributor. In the most recent article, the "expert" laments that amateur musicians have taken over Catholic liturgies (there is a "lack of interest in musical improvement in the volunteer system") and that pop music is the bane of society.

Like this musical "expert", I prefer classical liturgical music to folk liturgical music. Unlike the "expert", I recognize that classical liturgical music, as well as folk liturgical music, can be both good and bad. In fact, classical liturgical music was the folk liturgical music of its time. I can hear the "experts" from centuries ago complaining that Gregorian chant was being replaced by garbage from Mozart and Schubert! Nobody remembers the bad classical liturgical music - we are still playing and singing the good classical liturgical music. We no longer (thank God) sing that 70s classic "Pass It On". However, "On Eagles Wings" will be played and sung for centuries to come.

I barely remember most of what was thrown at me during college. However, I remember a lesson from one of my professors that happened to be an artist. He asked the question: How often do we say "I know what I like and I don't like that" when is is more accurate for us to say "I like what I know and I don't know that".

Why do most people reject Jesus? Because they don't know him. Hopefully, the musical "expert" (who claims to be Catholic) does a better job of learning about Jesus than learning about liturgical music!

It Is Not Just About U.S.

The clerical sexual assault issue is now on the front pages of Italian newspapers. Fr. Pierino Gelmini, one of the most well-known and recognized priests in Italy, faces numerous accusations of sexually assaulting children .

Fr. Pierino is in his 80s and has been a darling of the media and politically right circles for decades. It will be interesting to see the differences in how this case is handled in comparison to how similar cases in the U.S. are handled. Fr. Pierino has already gone on the offensive with comments such as "the allegations stem from jealousy" and that his accusers "think that all priests are queers".

The latter comment is of particular concern. Sexual assault (which is really what we are talking about - NOT sexual abuse) is not a crime of sex. It is a crime of violently overpowering another person and forcing them to endure humiliating submission. The sexual assaults committed by the clergy (and others - not just clergy) against children and others are not related to homosexuality or heterosexuality. These crimes are the result of the desire of one person to overpower another.

I am not judging Fr. Pierino's guilt or innocence. We need to let the accusations work their way through Italy's justice system. However, I am pointing out Fr. Pierino's ignorance related to the fundamental issues underlying why people (not just clergy) sexually assault children.

Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger

Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, Archbishop Emeritus of Paris, went to his eternal reward on August 5, 2007.

I remember Cardinal Lustiger through two events from 1999. In April of that year, my wife and I were in Paris on our honeymoon. We decided to go to Mass at the Cathedral of Notre Dame. We were a bit suprised to see Cardinal Lustiger as the presider. Being the good Catholic boy, I tried to get in Cardinal Lustiger's line for Communion. When I got close, I was diverted by the usher to the line where an auxiliary bishop was distributing Communion. Crestfallen, I returned to the pew after receiving Communion. At the conlusion of Mass, Cardinal Lustiger came down the main aisle and made an effort to meet as many Mass attendees as possible. When he came close to my wife and I, I tossed my new bride (a Lutheran) out of the way (much like famed Green Bay Packer Reggie White tossing aside a rookie offensive lineman on his way to sacking a quaterback) so that I could meet the Cardinal. During that same Mass, a man with behavioral issues began to approach the Cardinal from the main aisle at a very quiet and prayerful point during the Liturgy. Cardinal Lustiger simply made eye contact with the man and gently help up an admonishing finger. The man immediately returned to his pew. Obviously, Cardinal Lustiger had a unique connection with his flock.

Also in 1999, Cardinal Lustiger participated in a memorial ceremony recalling the deportation of French Jews to other parts of Europe, including concentration camps. The ceremony participants read the names of many of the deported Jews. Cardinal Lustiger read many of the names. At one point, he read the name of Gisele Lustiger and added "ma maman" - my mother. Until that point, many people did not realize that Cardinal Lustiger converted from the Jewish religion to Roman Catholicism as a young boy. During the war years, his mother was sent to a concentration camp where she died.

May he rest in peace.

Tragedy Begets Gratitude

Recent events such as the mine disaster in Utah and the bridge collapse in Minnesota have led me to question how the family of victims of such tragedies can, through their grief, so openly express gratitude to people who have provided assistance.

A situation in my own life has provided clarity. Last month, close relatives were involved in a very serious motorcycle accident. One relative had to be resuscitated at the scene and remains in the hospital as I write this. The other relative is recovering at home.

When an event like this happens, I did what most people with any sense of spirituality would do: I asked people to pray. I also asked several people I know to help with making arrangements to transfer the most seriously injured relative to a hospital that is closer to their natural support network (the accident occured hundreds of miles from their home). People I contacted went out of their way to help.

Because so many people have provided assistance to our family as we work our way through this unexpected situation, I am reluctant to single out any person or group. However, I really need to express our family's gratititude to the Christian Motorcyclists Association (www.cmausa.org). My relatives were NOT members of this organization. Within a couple of days after the accident, CMA members visited my relatives in the hopsital. They had heard about the accident through other motorcyclists in the area. They offered prayers for my relatives. They also contacted other members that helped get a value on my relatives' motorcycle (for insurance purposes). They also contacted CMA members back in my relatives' hometown to alert them to the fact that my relatives' might need some help when they returned home. When the one relative did return home, CMA members immediately stopped by to offer any assistance needed.

Although this has been a difficult situation, our family is grateful on many counts. While the most seriously injured relative was in a coma, we prayed that this relative would recover enough to recognize people, to talk and to walk. About a month after the accident, this relative is doing well in all three of these areas. Any continued progress is "gravy". We need to be thankful for these very basic things!

We are also grateful to the many people who have helped, many of whom have provided assistance without being asked! In this era of war, terrorism and murder, we need to keep in mind that the vast majority of people throughout the world are extremely good and generous people.

Why does it take a tragedy to help us understand this reality? This tragedy has ended up being a gift for our family in the same sense that the tragedy of Jesus' crucifiction resulted in the gift of His resurrection for all of us.

What Benedict Said to President Bush

Several weeks ago, President Bush paid a visit to Pope Benedict XVI in Vatican City. The meeting did not receive much publicity or press. I read where some people were a bit miffed that President Bush referred to Pope Benedict as "Sir" and that he presented the Pope with a walking stick inscribed with the "Protestant" version of the 10 Commandments.

Most of the discussion between the two leaders took place in private - with no assistants in the room. Since neither the Pope nor the President have commented much on the discussion, it may be safe to assume that the discussion was very blunt and to the point.

Some insiders have speculated that the discussion centered on the war in Iraq. One doesn't have to be an "insider" or "speculate". The two leaders discussed Iraq. Vatican officials strongly opposed the U.S. military invasion of Iraq in the months leading up to the attack. The Vatican argued that countless military and civilian deaths and casualties would result.

My guess is that the Pope got right to the point with the President and relayed the message that, thanks to the U.S. invasion, Christians are now daily targets in Iraq. Prior to the invasion, Christians represented a tiny minority in Iraq. While they had to deal with obstacles, they were, for the most part, left alone to worship and live according to their beliefs. Now, only a fraction of the Christian minority remains in Iraq. Thousands have fled to other countries like Jordan. Priests have been killed. Should this continue, Iraq will become, by force and terror, a Christian free zone. President Bush is getting the exact opposite of what he had hoped for.

Catholics in Politics

Can a Catholic win the Presidential election? Can Catholics, in good conscience, vote for any of the Catholic candidates?

Rudy Guliani is a Republican. He supports the war effort. He also supports abortion rights and gay marriage.

Sam Brownback is a Republican. He is pro-life. However, he supports the war effort and has supported the death penalty.

Tommy Thompson is a Republican. He is pro-life. However, he is opposes the war in Iraq. He also supports embryonic stem cell research.

In the last election, John Kerry ran as a Democrat. He is pro-abortion. Who knows where he stands on the war in Iraq? He opposes the death penalty.

It seems that the ideal Catholic candidate would be pro-life, anti-gay marriage, opposed to the war in Iraq, against embryonic stem cell research and opposed to the death penalty. In order for such a candidate to win the nomination of either party, the platforms of both parties would have to be modified toward more centrist positions. As long as we have the two party electoral system where the goal of both parties is to obtain and maintain the power of the majority, that won't happen. As a result, we will not see a Democrat or Republican Catholic in the White House in the foreseeable future.

The Latin Mass

Prior to Pope Benedict's authorization changes related to the requirments need to celebrate the Tridentine Mass, I read numerous periodicals stating that the Latin Mass should be swept into use as quickly as it was swept out of use by the crazy Vatican II liberals.

A few dislosures are necessary at this point. I support the increased use of Latin responses and Gregorian chant in the Sacred Liturgy. It is comforting to go to Mass in other countries and see that some major portions of the Mass are exactly the same in Mexico, Rome, Munich or a small city the heartland of the United States.

The current situation presents a major learning opportunity. Whether or not one favors the Tridentine Mass or the New Order Mass, we have become accostumed to the various parts of the Mass. We participate in them without much thought. We do things because that is the way we have done them for many years. By placing an increased emphasis on the use of Latin, we need to think more about the parts of the Liturgy - what they mean as part of the Liturgy and what they mean to us (or what they should mean to us).

The conservatives argue that we shouldn't forget important traditions. The liberals argue that we need to keep up with the times. It seems as if the major problems that relate to Liturgical abuses arise when one moves toward either one of these extremes. We need to work to find the appropriate balance between past and present. The Liturgy cannot and should not be seen as having to be "either...or".

During His ministry on earth, Christ emphasized the need to live a life that incorporates both traditional and current aspects. Let's follow His example.