St. Julie Billiart http://www.saintjulies.org Dartmouth, MA Sat, 19 May 2012 04:22:26 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Same Sex Marriage; Logic in Tension with Feelings http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/05/same-sex-marriage-logic-in-tension-with-feelings/ http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/05/same-sex-marriage-logic-in-tension-with-feelings/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 12:55:59 +0000 paula56 http://www.saintjulies.org/?p=5309  The recent announcement of the President and Vice President in support of so-called “same sex marriage,” occasioned my inclusion of the matter into last weekend’s homily:  It was something I felt compelled to address as a pastor but, at the very same time, it was terribly uncomfortable to do so.  No more than anyone else do I want to be identified as some sort of mean-spirited bigot, or as a hateful person.

However, there is more to my concern than simply the impression I might give to people by asserting Church teaching on the matter:  It is all too easy, as a “heterosexual”, to speak against an issue such as this; not having experience “on the inside” of the population whence it comes.  I realize that such people have been discriminated against, hurt, and historically abused by society.  The challenge is to assert our teaching without acting as if we speak from some mountain top of perfection:  There are huge distortions of the meaning of sex and marriage within the heterosexual population which have plagued our society as well.  Herein the challenge is to really speak with love.

Therefore, I preface the following reprint by expressing my intention that it be seen only as a challenge to the President’s position, (and those who share his opinion), on logical/rational grounds.  Herein the matter concerns the definition of marriage per se; not the moral issues surrounding same-sex attraction.

Fr. Robert Sokolowski, a philosophy and theology professor at the Catholic University of America penned an important article for the June 7, 2004 edition of America Magazine entitled the Threat of Same Sex Marriage.  His is a logical approach to the matter; elements of which may help us to answer one of the most difficult questions posed by proponents of same-sex marriage: “What damage will be done by legally recognizing same sex marriages?”  Implicitly, Fr. Sokolowski also addresses the way in which proponents of same-sex marriage assert that “marriage sanctions a friendship, not a specifically procreative relationship,” (one which has the potential to bear children).

If this is so, what would stop me from marrying my uncle, or my father?  [We are devoted to each other, but we don’t engage in mutual sexual conduct.]  Is this not ridiculous?  The laws permitting same-sex marriage would, in fact, deny such an arrangement.  Why? because we don’t exchange sex.  “The exchange of sex, and specifically non-procreative sex, will be what defines marriage.”  Suppose the law were to say yes to my request? Any two people who live together can get married.  After all, if homosexual couples are discriminated against because they cannot get married, why should any two people who live together . . . be discriminated against? Any persons who live together should have the right to be married . . . I could marry my father . . . why not permit polygamy and polyandry? Why discriminate against groups, if just living together is the only requirement for marriage?  I could marry not just my mother or father, but both of them together, in a truly deconstructionist gesture, thus joining not with one but with both of the sources of my being.”

Here, Sokolowski simply plays out the logic, (an illogic) of declaring a partnership between people of the same sex “a marriage.”  As a society we are on the threshold of deciding that there is no inherent order to nature and that we are so free that we can redefine whatever we want to suit our purposes.

Sokolowski concludes: “Once we live in delusion about such an important issue, we will inevitably be misguided in regard to many other human things: religion, human relations, laws, governmental policies, moral judgments and even our cultural inheritance.  The most obvious truths become obscured.”

Fr. Greg

]]> http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/05/same-sex-marriage-logic-in-tension-with-feelings/feed/ 0 Sixth Week of Easter http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/05/sixth-week-of-easter-2/ http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/05/sixth-week-of-easter-2/#comments Sun, 13 May 2012 04:24:08 +0000 paula56 http://www.saintjulies.org/?p=5296 Click on the red text above to access a guide to the Liturgy of the Hours for this week. When the page opens click on the day of the week you desire. These guides are for the four volume set of The Liturgy of the Hours:

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Friday, May 18, 2012

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Monday, May 14, 2012

Sunday, May 13, 2012

]]> http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/05/sixth-week-of-easter-2/feed/ 0 Moralism http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/05/moralism/ http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/05/moralism/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 17:02:35 +0000 paula56 http://www.saintjulies.org/?p=5278 Morality is, truly, important to Christian Faith; however, very often Christian Faith is reduced to “moralism.”  Moralism reduces Christianity to a human code of conduct . . . a set of principles for good living without much reference to the active presence of God in everyday life.  It is a form of what is called “Deism:” It suggests that, indeed, God authored the rules for living a good life and simply left them for us to follow.  

 
I think that this reduction happens from within the Church and from without, and both of these are negative in their own way.  Secular society may welcome and appreciate the positive influence of Christian ethics on the citizenry in maintaining order or civility. But, of course, when it comes to the area of “personal morality,” the secular society will be much less appreciative of what the Church might assert as true and good:  This is because there is no unified order of truth within secularism; Generally speaking, there is what is “practical” or “useful” or “generally agreed upon” categories of “truth.”

 
In this way, the expression of faith is marginalized or ghetto-ized.  For example, we will assert that marriage is a union of one man and one woman, ordained by Almighty God; inherent to which is the power of procreation:  We do not assert this simply as a religious truth, commanded in some arbitrary way by the divine “rule-maker:” We will, indeed, assert that this is what God intends, but we also see it as a law inscribed in the very nature of our humanity.  But this assertion of truth is not admissible because it’s too personal, and it is thought that no apparent harm to the order of society comes from people choosing same-sex marriage, (as is the current trend).  Hence, inasmuch as a society like ours will accept or embrace the role of the Church or religion, it will only be based upon what is useful or practical for civil order, (narrowly understood).

 
I suppose that another form of moralism is the one which emerges from within the Church, wherein Faith is reduced to the “do’s” and “don’ts” without much reference to a personal relationship to God.  I intuit that many older Catholics grew up with this kind of moralizing. I recently heard an Irish commentator speaking of the decline of the Church’s influence in Ireland and he described the old moralism as one which so overly emphasized sex that sexual sins seemed the only ones which need be avoided.  The commentator went on to describe the massive problems in that society with political corruption and the seeming inability of so many to comprehend their sinfulness in these areas of life.  In a sense, God’s oversight had been compartmentalized to the sexual part of life and, virtually, no other, (a generalization, but you get the gist).

 

Pope Benedict tells us, “the temptation to reduce Christianity to moralism is very great in our own day . . . It seems there is no room for God himself to act in human history and in my life . . . What is left? Our action!  And we are the ones who must transform the world.  We are the ones who must generate redemption. . . And if this is how one thinks, then Christianity is dead.  We are lacking the force of eternal love to respond to the challenges of our lives and of politics. [By contrast, faith] comes about in a state of obedience that places us at God’s disposition whenever he calls.”

                Fr. Greg

]]> http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/05/moralism/feed/ 0 Fifth Week of Easter http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/05/fifth-week-of-easter-2/ http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/05/fifth-week-of-easter-2/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 00:35:21 +0000 paula56 http://www.saintjulies.org/?p=5264 Click on the red text above to access a guide to the Liturgy of the Hours for this week. When the page opens click on the day of the week you desire. These guides are for the four volume set of The Liturgy of the Hours:

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Friday, May 11, 2012

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Monday, May 7, 2012

Sunday, May 6, 2012

]]> http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/05/fifth-week-of-easter-2/feed/ 0 May: Month of Mary http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/05/may-month-of-mary/ http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/05/may-month-of-mary/#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 23:06:25 +0000 paula56 http://www.saintjulies.org/?p=5249 . . .the Blessed Virgin Mary continues to “go before” the People of God. Her exceptional pilgrimage of faith represents a constant point of reference for the Church, for individuals and for communities, for peoples and nations and, in a sense, for all humanity. It is indeed difficult to encompass and measure its range. (RM #6)“In the most holy Virgin the Church has already reached that perfection whereby she exists without spot or wrinkle (cf. Eph. 5:27)”; and at the same time the Council says that “the followers of Christ still strive to increase in holiness by conquering sin, and so they raise their eyes to Mary, who shines forth to the whole community of the elect as a model of the virtues.” The pilgrimage of faith no longer belongs to the Mother of the Son of God: glorified at the side of her Son in heaven, Mary has already crossed the threshold between faith and that vision which is “face to face” (1 Cor. 13:12). At the same time, however, in this eschatological fulfillment, Mary does not cease to be the “Star of the Sea” (Maris Stella)  for all those who are still on the journey of faith. If they lift their eyes to her from their earthly existence, they do so because “the Son whom she brought forth is he whom God placed as the first-born among many brethren (Rom. 8:29),” and also because “in the birth and development” of these brothers and sisters “she cooperates with a maternal love.”

 
When we read that the messenger addresses Mary as “full of grace,” the Gospel context, which mingles revelations and ancient promises, enables us to understand that among all the “spiritual blessings in Christ” this is a special “blessing.” In the mystery of Christ she is present even “before the creation of the world,” as the one whom the Father “has chosen” as Mother of his Son in the Incarnation. And, what is more, together with the Father, the Son has chosen her, entrusting her eternally to the Spirit of holiness. In an entirely special and exceptional way Mary is united to Christ, and similarly she is eternally loved in this “beloved Son,” this Son who is of one being with the Father, in whom is concentrated all the “glory of grace.” At the same time, she is and remains perfectly open to this “gift from above” (cf. Jas. 1:17). As the Council teaches, Mary “stands out among the poor and humble of the Lord, who confidently await and receive salvation from him, (RM #8).
. . .if the eternal choice in Christ and the vocation to the dignity of adopted children is the destiny of everyone, then the election of Mary is wholly exceptional and unique. Hence also the singularity and uniqueness of her place in the mystery of Christ, (RM #9)

 
Mary thus remains before God, and also before the whole of humanity, as the unchangeable and inviolable sign of God’s election, spoken of in Paul’s letter: “in Christ…he chose us…before the foundation of the world,…he destined us…to be his sons” (Eph. 1:4, 5). This election is more powerful than any experience of evil and sin, than all that “enmity” which marks the history of man. In this history Mary remains a sign of sure hope. (RM #11)

Fr. Greg

[Excerpts from “Redemptor Materis, (Mother of the Redeemer, Pope John Paul II, 1987]

 

]]> http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/05/may-month-of-mary/feed/ 0 Charity vs. Altruism http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/04/charity-vs-altruism/ http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/04/charity-vs-altruism/#comments Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:14:39 +0000 paula56 http://www.saintjulies.org/?p=5230 I once heard a story about a charitable organization run by a certain Catholic Diocese hosting a very large dinner for the poor and homeless during the holiday season.  It seems that overtures had been made to this organization by other Christian Churches in the area to the effect that cooperation would make the event all-the-better and it would foster a sense of Christian unity. [It’s important to note that the location of the meal and the vast majority of the resources and volunteers were from the Catholic community.]  However, when the media showed up to “cover” the event, it was a local activist/minister who was interviewed and quoted in the newspaper about the event . . . effectively coopting the event from the Catholic charity that had initiated it.
I’m not sure if this is something that happens very often but it certainly presents an awkward set of circumstances.  Within the situation arises a tension between “justice” and the very definition of Christian Charity.  In the biblical sense of the word, “charity” is the highest form of love: The western Church translated the Greek form “agape” into the Latin word “caritas” . . . the definition of which is “sacrificial love” or “self-gift”, or “giving without expecting anything in return.”  Hence, if the Catholics involved in the situation above complained about having “credit” stolen away from them for a good deed done, might they be choosing an earthly reward over a heavenly one?  
My concern is not to resolve that specific problem, but to reflect, more generally, on our motivations to do charitable works. When we reflect on a scripture passage like Matthew 25:31-46, we learn that Christ identifies himself with those who are in need: “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Therefore, any good we do for someone in need is credited to us as having been done for the Lord himself: This is a very compelling motivation indeed!  Then there is that unforgettable Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus in the Gospel of Luke: Herein the moral imperative is that those who have should actively look to help those who have not.
Clearly, whenever we do some sort of charitable good, we ought not be “blowing our horn like hypocrites looking for applause, (Matt. 6:2)”:  Whatever good we do should be done because we want to conform our lives to the way of Jesus and the Kingdom of God.    
Here, the principle “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness,” (Matt. 6:33), is in play:  It is promised that all the good things we desire will follow if this is our primary motivation. And, I suppose, if we are to be noticed in our giving or serving or helping, it seems that the emphasis should be on this very principle: “I did it as a response to the Gospel and the Kingdom of God.”  I think that this differentiates such acts from ordinary altruism rooted in secular humanism:  While the immediate effects of altruism and charity may look the same, the understanding and intended effect is very different:  A Christian believes he/she is making God’s own will visible and, at the very same time, announcing “his Kingdom come”:  Whereas, an altruist —though doing something honorable and good —proclaims human solutions to human problems; perhaps in the name of such values as the “good order of society” or “lessening inequities among citizens” etc.  

 
Much more could be said on this topic:  I submit it for your reflection and mine.  May we do what we do according to His word and for His Kingdom . . . that it may be “on Earth as it is in Heaven”. 

 

Fr. Greg

]]> http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/04/charity-vs-altruism/feed/ 0 Fourth Week of Easter http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/04/5222/ http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/04/5222/#comments Sun, 29 Apr 2012 03:11:33 +0000 paula56 http://www.saintjulies.org/?p=5222 Click on the red text above to access a guide to the Liturgy of the Hours for this week. When the page opens click on the day of the week you desire. These guides are for the four volume set of The Liturgy of the Hours:

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Friday, May 4, 2012

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Wednesday, May 2

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Monday, April 30, 2012

Sunday, April 29, 2012

]]> http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/04/5222/feed/ 0 Third Week of Easter http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/04/third-week-of-easter-2/ http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/04/third-week-of-easter-2/#comments Sun, 22 Apr 2012 04:11:33 +0000 paula56 http://www.saintjulies.org/?p=5201 Click on the red text above to access a guide to the Liturgy of the Hours for this week. When the page opens click on the day of the week you desire. These guides are for the four volume set of The Liturgy of the Hours:

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Friday, April 27, 2012

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Tuesday, April 23, 2012

Monday, April 23, 2012

Sunday, April 22, 2012

]]> http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/04/third-week-of-easter-2/feed/ 0 In the Works http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/04/in-the-works/ http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/04/in-the-works/#comments Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:32:07 +0000 paula56 http://www.saintjulies.org/?p=5188 Over the past several months I have been meeting with a combined committee of past Septemberfest volunteers and Finance Counsel Members in an effort to enhance our yearly festival.  We have arrived at a decision to pursue sponsorship of a parish golf tournament which is to be followed by a professionally catered “pig-roast” on Saturday, September 22nd, followed by the Septemberfest festival at St. Julies on Sunday the 23rd

 

Though nothing is absolutely chiseled in stone, we have reserved a day at the Acushnet River Country Club for a large group of “foursomes” to compete.  We will be seeking sponsors for each of the holes as well as prize donors from among our vendors and other generous businesses in the community.

 

Currently, we are looking for volunteers to be on the sub-committees such as the Raffle Committee, the Sponsor Committee, and the Clean-up Committee, among others.  If you can help us with any of these, please contact Ed at 508-996-5520 or Steve at 5087175984.

 

 
The “Pig Roast” we have planned will be handled professionally and in a way that will not offend anyone’s sensibilities, (unless you really hate roasted pork).  Both golfers and non-golfers will be welcomed to the YMCA, here in Dartmouth to feast and enjoy a party, with games for the kids, music and a cash-bar.

 

And, of course, on Sunday, we will celebrate our annual Septemberfest, with music, games, and raffles.  Many volunteers will be needed for this effort as well.  Very soon, we will put a display in the Church along with handouts seeking your help.  Please look for this when it comes.

 

Altogether we have conceived of a weekend which might be called “St. Julie’s Septemberfest Weekend,” subtitled, “Including Golf Tournament & Pig roast.”  We hope that many will be excited by the prospect and step out to assist in what promises to be a great community event and church fundraiser.   

                    Fr. Greg

]]> http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/04/in-the-works/feed/ 0 Second Week of Easter http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/04/second-week-of-easter/ http://www.saintjulies.org/2012/04/second-week-of-easter/#comments Sun, 15 Apr 2012 04:42:02 +0000 paula56 http://www.saintjulies.org/?p=5176 Click on the red text above to access a guide to the Liturgy of the Hours for this week. When the page opens click on the day of the week you desire. These guides are for the four volume set of The Liturgy of the Hours:

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Friday, April 20, 2012

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Monday, April 16, 2012

Sunday, April 15, 2012, Divine Mercy

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