This Week in Catholic Liturgy: Dearly Beloved

One of Saint Paul's most touching passages is the text of this weekend's second reading.  The same man who called the Galatians "stupid and foolish" (we can't let him live that down) expressed a yearning to share his very self with his audience.  The Word of God truly was at work in him, making it all the more possible for that Word to act elsewhere.

It's the Oikonomia, Stupid

Spare us from Vatican economic analysts

An enlightening article on a recent announcement that "The Vatican" recently advocated an international regulation of finance.

I have very little knowledge of financial matters, and only burgeoning interest (and yet they may make me a Pastor someday!), so this article seemed worth reading and sharing.

What You Always Sensed but Might Not Have Seen on Paper

Perhaps you have wondered what makes for a great teacher.  You may already know intuitively, or through your experience of a great teacher (or two or more, if you were so fortunate).  Thank God for your teachers today.  Know that you may be, or become, a great teacher in your own right--whoever your students may be.

The current instant publisher is typing this post on a l[Apple]top.  Fellow Blogger Rocco Palmo (of Whispers in the Loggia fame) swears by Apple products and has had much to say about Apple's founder (+)Steve Jobs.

Written by Oblate of Mary Immaculate Father Bevil Bramwell, The Steve Jobs Phenomenon is an interesting piece.  I submit it for your kind consideration.

Omnia Rapiens Et Nihil Dans

This phrase, attributed to Erasmus, can be said (with no little cynicism) to describe many persons who come to the Church.  They want to get married.  They want a letter that allows them to be a godparent or Confirmation sponsor.  They want a discounted rate for their children's tuition.  They want, they want, they want.  "Taking everything and giving nothing!"

The suggestion to give time, talent, or treasure is not an imposition, is it--especially in light of what one may expect (nay, demand) to receive in return?  It's only fair!

This young priest is learning to lower his expectations…of others, and especially of himself; for how often and how deeply have I taken without giving, or given quarter-heartedly (not even half-heartedly)?

"What does the Lord require of you, O man?"  I pray that our priests, religious, and laity may be able to answer that question as Prophet Micah did--in actions as well as words.  May we be the change we wish to see.

This Week in Catholic Liturgy: It's A Crop Shoot

In the first reading from Isaiah, a fabled vineyard owner is disturbed about a bad yield.  While the Lord is not content for His people to produce anything less than the best that He has intended, He will prune as often and as deeply as necessary to make it so.

On Respect Life Sunday we recognize that God has looked for judgment and justice, but has seen bloodshed and outcry--and this across the board of human affairs.   Let us not allow God's patience to salve our consciences into inactivity.