The Anti-Modernist

I recently had a questioned posed to me about a parable of Jesus. It pertains to the recent readings and discussions in the Church so I would like to share what I wrote in my response. "Amen, Amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat fall to the ground and dies, it remains a grain of wheat; but if dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me." (John 12:24-26) What is being spoken about in this parable is death to the world. Additionally, it is speaking about the impending death of Jesus on the cross, but it is also a lesson to us about how to live our lives. We must be like grains of wheat. If a grain of wheat does not fall to the ground and die, nothing happens. It is worth nothing. It has not fulfilled its purpose. Like the grain of wheat, we must die to the w...

Over the past two days I have had the privilege of visiting Mt. Alvernia Hospital. To be quite honest, I have mixed feelings about hospitals. I don't necessarily enjoy them, as I have been a patient many times, but at the same time they are always a constant reminder to me that my problems are never as bad as they seem. However, Mt. Alvernia is an exception to my normal feelings. Mt. Alvernia, being a Catholic hospital, is a place where I normally feel quite at home. I can pray and not get awkward stares and I enjoy visiting the chapel and being before the blessed tabernacle...Anyhow, I should get back to the story. My most recent visit to the hospital has nothing to do with my actual health, but that of a close family member. She happens not to be a Catholic, but holds a respect for the religion and those who practice it. While visiting my aunt I happened to meet an elderly lady and it is she whom I wish to talk about. She and I happened only to talk via my aunt's translations...

The work below is an excerpt from Self-Abandonment to Divine Providence , by Father J.P. de Caussade, S.J. I have found myself reflecting time and time again over this work, as it holds a profound meaning to me. Its sweet truth echoes in my soul and helps me to embrace the trials of my life. I have thus decided to share this particular section in the hopes that it too will inspire others. When you read it, do not rush. Take your time and let the words sink into your soul because in these words is a special message for all of us. Dominus Vobiscum. SECTION VII.—The Hidden Work of Divine Love. The divine love is communicated to us through every creature under veils, like the Eucharistic species. What great truths are hidden even from Christians who imagine themselves most enlightened! How many are there amongst them who understand that every cross, every action, every attraction according to the designs of God, give God to us in a way that nothing can better explain than a compari...

" You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments. " (Mt. 22:37 - 40) Our Lord, Jesus Christ, has given us two great commandments to live by; however, one cannot help but notice as they look at the world how often humanity seems to fall short of this simple act of love. Turning on the computer, all one has to do is look at any news feed and they will see so many acts of hatred and selfishness. It would seem to be that the whole world has been beguiled into trading their precious souls away for temporal objects that will tarnish and erode. I think of these objects the one that is most notable to mention that the soul is traded away for is pride. It was the sin of pride that led Satan in that horrid revolt against God and it is the sin of pride that ...

Life is an arduous journey. This is something that I have learned from hard earned experience. I have lived in various continents. I have been a soldier, student, lector, lecturer, and many other things. As I have gone through this life, I have learned the importance of proper faith formation and religious study. The topic can seem somewhat dull and I do not wish to pursue a discussion in theology and morality at the moment, but what I wish to bring to light is the importance of the role of the Godparent/Sponsor in faith formation. The guidelines for the suitability of Godparents and Sponsors is covered in the Code of Canon Law, but my discussion aims beyond this initial stage of baptism and confirmation. I wish to look at the time following these wonderful sacraments. How often have I seen people stagnate following their initiation. It is not to say that this is the occurrence in all cases. If I were to imply that, it would be a horrible misnomer. However, I have seen on many occasi...

Building on the last entry, we should note that prayer is an important part of our daily lives. However, how many times do we start our day off in the wrong fashion? In the words of St. Josemaria Escriva “ Conquer yourself each day from the very first moment, getting up on the dot, at a fixed time, without yielding a single minute to laziness. If, with God's help, you conquer yourself, you will be well ahead for the rest of the day. It's so discouraging to find oneself beaten at the first skirmish !” (The Way, 191). Facing each day with fervor and attempting to conquer yourself in the name of Christ is the first step of overcoming the trails and temptation you will face. Remember these words: “ The non serviam of Satan has been too fruitful. Don't you feel the generous urge to express your daily desire for prayer and work with a serviam — l will serve you, I will be faithful! — which will surpass in fruitfulness that cry of revolt ?” (The Way, 413, St. Josemaria Escriva). ...

How often do we pick up the phone and talk to friends? How often to we chat about the nothingness of things with acquaintances at work and never give it a second thought? Yet, when it comes to that time to talk to God, we push it back. It is not to say that all people do this, but ask yourself how many times have you done this? How many times have you put in endless hours of watching TV, or surfing the net, but not given a moment to prayer? We are currently in the season of Lent and approaching the glorious time of Easter. As we fast approach this momentous occasion, ask yourself what have you given up to be with Jesus in the desert during his 40 days? How often have you spoken to Him to find out His will for you, or to give thanks? Now, I am not trying to play a guilt trip on anyone, but I am just trying to get the wheels turning. I am trying to lead to the point that we should be talking to God. Jesus, while in the desert, was fasting and praying. Praying....what exactly is p...