A Treasure To Be Shared

Renovatio a renewing, renewal renovation  (n.) c. 1400, renovacyoun , in theology, "spiritual rebirth wrought by the Holy Spirit," also in a general sense, "rebuilding, reconstruction; a making new after decay, destruction, or impairment," from Old French renovacion (13c.) and directly from Latin renovationem (nominative renovatio ) "a renewing, renewal; a rest," noun of action from past-participle stem of renovare "renew, restore," from re- "again" (see re-) + novare "make new," from novus "new". To renew is not to reduce (in value, in beauty, or in influence). Anyone with the skill to renew fine wooden furniture or restore a priceless painting understands that preservation of the original is essential to the process of restoration, which necessarily retains the full integrity of the original artist's work.  Renewal requires care and the preservation of the finest details. Without such dedication, colossal mist...

Cartoonish or Cultivated? Are Latin Rite Catholics—bishops, priests, and laypeople—ignoring the signs? Many voices are being continuously raised warning Latin Rite Catholics to repent of their superficial faith, and turn to God—who remains the same yesterday and today—and stop polluting the temple with profane music, irreverent conduct, and worldly philosophies. These calls for renewal urge the faithful to embrace a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. By fostering genuine worship and a commitment to spiritual growth, parishes can reclaim an authentic Catholic identity and inspire a transformative faith among its members. St John 2:13-17 | The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers at their business. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple; and he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned t...

The modern parishioner, eager to be the active participator in modern liturgies, has access to the latest supportive modern technology to support the modern liturgical activist to actively participate in the modern liturgy. Proboscis piercing . Never again lose your Miraculous medal or Saint Anthony medal. Suspend an object of choice from your schnozz. Prayed braid . Rosary hair extensions. Turn your hair braids into a rosary. Trendsetter! Holy water camel pack . Don't be without your personal reservoir of spiritual protection. When Mormons or JWs visit, simply turn the spigot to adjust the flow of water as you shake their hands. Shoe Song . As you walk, a melody is played from technology embedded in your shoes. The tune changes to match the pace of your step. Comes with "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" and "Tis so sweet to walk with Jesus". Use the app to download additional tunes. Shoe Song De-Lux : light your way with this awesome LED upgrade. Liturgical colors...

Jesus at the home of Martha and Mary | Johannes Vermeer Much digital ink has been spilled about the notion of active participation in the Liturgy. That same notion should read actual participation , but due to a misleading translation of the Latin participatio actuosa , Latin Rite Catholics have been subjected to an incessant barrage of activities at Mass that constitute an unfortunate layering of events that practically force people to embrace a misstated concept in an attempt to engage us in worship. More than acting out, Christ calls us to be present to him in the Liturgy. Holy receptivity is being open-minded and willing to receive divine direction and grace. It entails fostering an open heart and mind to God's presence and teachings, which allows for spiritual growth and transformation. Core Elements of Holy Receptivity Openness and Humility. Holy receptivity involves a posture of humility, acknowledging one's dependence on God and a willingness to be taught and led.  Act...

Shylock | The Merchant of Venice If we do take Pope Francis at his word, then 'tis of little moment to squander time in disputation regarding the past. What hath transpired is irrevocable. His Holiness's pronouncements, beseeching that a tumult (i.e., a mess) be wrought, are well-acknowledged. Thus, the disorder (i.e., the mess) doth linger even after its creator hath departed this realm. This disarray hath been entrusted to others for resolution. Let us now attend to his penance. Let us change the bedclothes and launder the garments, set aright the chairs of the kitchen, cleanse the dishes, and restore order to the household. What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too, and it cannot be all of a sudden entirely forbidden or even considered harmful. It behooves all of us to preserve the riches which have developed in the Church’s faith and prayer, and to give them their proper place. |  Benedict XVI, Letter of Accompaniment to the MP Summorum Po...

2 Peter 1:3-4 |  His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion, and become partakers of the divine nature. Deification, also known as theosis or divinization, is the process of becoming united with God, sharing in His divine life, and experiencing His eternal happiness. This concept is deeply intertwined with the doctrine of the Trinity, as it is through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that humanity is called to share in God's own life. The Scandal of the Incarnation: Irenaeus Against the Heresies, Selected and Introduced by Hans Urs von Balthasar, trans. John Saward  (1981), pp 54 & 55. | There was no other way for us to receive incorruptibility and immortality than to be united to incorruptibility an...

Of the many conversations happening publicly among Catholics, more than a few hover over the subject of identity, or a lack thereof, as in fidelity on the one hand and laxity on the other. Common political or social terms are often clumsily applied to factions, which only exacerbates factionalism where none need exist. There is only orthodoxy or heterodoxy. There are many adherents to the latter who imagine themselves the former. Leaving aside politics, polemics and such, the conversation about identity, more specifically identity in Christ, may be enhanced by the experience of the lowly altar server whose very identity celebrates a eucharistic service that can foster a renewal of purpose, of Eucharistic identity and mission for the salvation of souls. Service, Commitment, Discipline, Contentment The well-trained server communicates authentic participation in the Mass. By reflecting on the nature of altar service, those in the congregation are more likely to realize their own participa...